J&K Set for Historic HPV Vaccine Launch: Commissioner Secretary M. Raju Targets 100% Coverage to Combat Cervical Cancer

JAMMU, February 27, 2026 — In a major stride toward eliminating cervical cancer, Commissioner Secretary of Health & Medical Education M. Raju chaired a high-level State Task Force meeting today to finalize the rollout of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination Programme across Jammu and Kashmir.

Scheduled for a UT-wide launch on February 28, 2026, in alignment with the Prime Minister’s nationwide initiative, the campaign aims to provide life-saving protection to approximately 135,340 eligible girls.

The target group specifically includes 14-year-old girls, with a special three-month grace period extended to those turning 15 within 90 days of the launch. During the session, the Director of Family Welfare highlighted the region’s robust preparedness, including comprehensive micro-planning across all 20 districts, the deployment of the eVIN system for cold chain management, and digital registration via the U-WIN portal.

M. Raju emphasized a zero-tolerance approach to misinformation, directing the Information Department to lead an aggressive awareness campaign while ensuring all stakeholders—from the Education Department to ICDS—coordinate for 100% community mobilization.

The implementation strategy includes strict AEFI (Adverse Events Following Immunization) surveillance and a mandatory 30-minute post-vaccination observation period to ensure safety and build public confidence.

By integrating school-based mapping and healthcare logistics, the administration has committed to making J&K a leader in cervical cancer prevention, ensuring every eligible beneficiary receives the vaccine to safeguard their long-term health and well-being.