In a powerful address at the World Health Organization headquarters, Union Health Minister JP Nadda underscored India’s unwavering commitment to eradicating cervical cancer as a public health crisis. Speaking virtually on Thursday, Nadda highlighted the nation’s robust strategies to safeguard women’s health, a cornerstone of national priorities.
Cervical cancer remains a formidable challenge both globally and in India, claiming countless lives each year. To combat this preventable disease, the government has rolled out a multifaceted approach emphasizing prevention, early detection, and timely treatment. Central to this effort is the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD), which has expanded population-based screening programs integrated into primary healthcare services.
Over 86 million women aged 30 to 65 have undergone cervical cancer screening using visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA) at Ayushman Arogya Mandirs and health centers nationwide. This massive initiative reflects India’s dedication to early detection and prevention.
A landmark achievement came with the launch of the nationwide Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination drive by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 28. Targeting 12 million girls aged 14, the 90-day campaign administers a free dose of the Gardasil Quadrivalent vaccine at designated government facilities. Parental consent ensures the program’s community-driven ethos, respecting family values while frontline health workers build trust and drive implementation.
Nadda reaffirmed India’s full support for WHO’s global strategy, including the 90-70-90 targets by 2030: 90% vaccination coverage for girls, 70% screening for women, and 90% access to treatment. He called for stronger global collaboration to eliminate cervical cancer.
WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus praised India’s efforts, hailing the HPV campaign as the world’s largest free initiative of its kind. He noted India’s stark reality—over 80,000 women die annually from cervical cancer, with 42,000 new cases—underscoring the urgency of vaccination and screening. South Africa’s Health Minister Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi also congratulated India on this bold step.
As India leads by example, the world watches a blueprint for transforming women’s health outcomes through innovation, scale, and partnership.