Shillong: The Government of Meghalaya launched the National Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination Campaign on 28 February 2026 at Ganesh Das Hospital, Lawmali, Shillong, in alignment with the National Launch by the Prime Minister of India at Rajasthan.
The State-level programme was led by Ramakrishna Chitturi, IAS, Additional Secretary, Health & Family Welfare and Mission Director, National Health Mission, Government of Meghalaya, in the presence of senior government officials, health professionals, development partners, and members of the media. The programme was officially launched by the nine 14-year-old girls who are the first beneficiaries of the HPV Vaccine in the State of Meghalaya today.
The programme started with a keynote address given by the State Immunization Officer, Dr. P. R. Marak who gave a brief outline and informed about the guidelines of the vaccination campaign. A detailed presentation on HPV Vaccine and Cervical Cancer was also given by Dr. Shailinia Syiem, Gynaecologist, President State, O&G Society, FOGSI highlighting the importance of giving the vaccine to the correct age groups i.e. girls of 14 years and how HPV Vaccine is the only cancer preventing vaccine. She also stressed on the fact that this vaccine given early has a success rate of more than 90%. Women who are in their 20s and 30s up to 45 years can also take this vaccine and they can get protection of up to 88% combined with regular screenings. The HPV does not only affect girls and women; it can also affect boys and men. The programme also had talks given by Dr. Angel Kharduit, DMHO East Khasi Hills and Dr. Rapbor Laloo, District DIO, East Khasi Hills District. The launch programme also had presence from VHC members from Nongmensong and Rynjah and Headman from Mawlai.
It may be noted that this vaccine can be taken from any Government run health facility for free across the State. Beneficiaries once received this vaccine can also get the UWIN Certificate from the UWIN App.
Cervical cancer remains one of the most serious public health challenges affecting women in India. It is the second most common cancer among women in the country. In 2024 alone, India recorded an estimated 78,499 new cases and over 42,000 deaths due to cervical cancer.
Meghalaya reported a total of 332 diagnosed cases of cervical cancer, with numbers rising from 27 cases in 2020-21 to 332cases by 2025–26. The upward trend underscores the urgent need for preventive measures, such as HPV vaccination.
Scientific evidence shows that 99.7% of cervical cancer cases are caused by persistent infection with high-risk types of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). In India, HPV types 16 and 18 account for the majority of cases. The HPV vaccine is safe, effective, and provides strong protection against these high-risk virus types. Globally, more than 500 million (50 crore) doses have been administered without major safety concerns.
Under the State-wide campaign, girls aged 14 years (those who have completed 14 years but have not yet turned 15 years) are being covered, with an estimated 39,000 eligible beneficiaries across Meghalaya. Vaccination is being conducted at 187 planning units, including Primary Health Centres, Community Health Centres and District Hospitals. To ensure safe and effective implementation, more than 9,121 trained health personnel—comprising doctors, nurses, ANMs and ASHA workers—have been deployed across the State.
The single-dose Gardasil-4 (Quadrivalent HPV vaccine covering types 6, 11, 16 and 18) is administered as a 0.5 ml intramuscular injection in the left upper arm and is maintained at +2°C to +8°C under the cold chain system. While minor side effects such as mild pain or swelling at the injection site, low-grade fever or headache may occur, these generally resolve within a few days. A total of 144 health facilities have been designated to function 24×7 for monitoring and management of any Adverse Events Following Immunization (AEFI).
All beneficiaries are registered on the U-WIN digital platform prior to vaccination through self-registration, assisted registration by health workers, or on-site digital registration, and can download their vaccination certificate thereafter. The intensive campaign will be conducted for three months, following which HPV vaccination will continue as part of routine immunization services. The vaccination is voluntary, and parental or guardian consent is mandatory prior to administration.
