Pune: Maharashtra Rolls Out Statewide HPV Vaccination Drive; CM Fadnavis Kicks Off ‘Cervical Cancer-Free Maharashtra’ Mission in Pune
Pune, 9th December 2025: Maharashtra has taken a significant stride in preventive healthcare with the launch of the ‘Cervical Cancer-Free Maharashtra’ initiative, inaugurated in Pune by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. The statewide mission seeks to shield adolescent girls from cervical cancer, one of the most preventable yet deadliest cancers affecting Indian women.
Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women in India, leading to nearly 200 deaths daily, a statistic health authorities stress can be drastically reduced through routine screening, HPV vaccination, and timely treatment. The state’s new campaign is geared toward intervening early to break this preventable disease cycle.
The programme specifically targets girls in the 9–14 age group, aiming to ensure they receive the HPV vaccine well before exposure risks increase. Alongside vaccination, the campaign emphasises credible information-sharing with families, encouraging community-wide confidence in preventive healthcare practices.
To ensure seamless execution, the government has appointed Jeevika Foundation (Jeevika Healthcare) as the implementation partner. Working alongside the Government of Maharashtra, Pune Zilla Parishad, and the Health Department, the Foundation is spearheading awareness drives and parental engagement, supported by several corporate partners through CSR initiatives.
Over 6,000 Girls Vaccinated in Pune:
Early progress has been encouraging. Backed by CSR contributions from ZS – Global Management and Consulting Firm, Icertis, CaratLane, Brigenext India Pvt. Ltd., and JBM Auto, more than 6,000 girls in Pune district have already received HPV vaccinations. A further 5,000 vaccinations are planned with support from Bajaj Finserv and ZS.
Health officials say the initiative is poised to become one of India’s largest public health efforts for young girls, accelerating Maharashtra’s commitment to women’s health.
As part of the expansion plan, schools will host awareness sessions and vaccination clinics. Teachers, community representatives, and healthcare workers will jointly clarify misconceptions, build trust, and encourage vaccination uptake among parents and students.
Calling on the corporate sector and community to participate wholeheartedly, Fadnavis said, “The Cervical Cancer-Free Maharashtra campaign marks an important step in bringing preventive healthcare to every girl. Safeguarding the health of our daughters is a collective responsibility, and we invite CSR partners to join us in creating a healthier future.”
