Source: The Hindu, Tags: 25 Feb 2026
Context
Government preparing national HPV vaccination programme for girls under 14. (Page 8)
What is HPV?
- Human Papillomavirus
- Spread through skin-to-skin contact
- Some “high-risk types” cause cervical cancer
- Often asymptomatic
HPV & Cervical Cancer
- Persistent high-risk infection → abnormal cervical cell changes
- Over years → Cervical cancer
Why Vaccinate Under 14?
- Strongest immune response at this age
- Protection before exposure
- Will significantly reduce future cervical cancer burden




