Nationwide HPV vaccination campaign to begin on Feb 4
This initiative aims to address the rising number of untimely deaths from cervical cancer.
KATHMANDU: The HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccine will be provided free of charge nationwide starting Feb 4.
This initiative aims to address the rising number of untimely deaths from cervical cancer.
The Ministry of Health and Population (MoHP) has set a target of vaccinating approximately 1.7 million girls to help reduce the risk of cervical cancer.
Dr. Prakash Budhathoki, spokesperson for the Ministry, announced that the vaccination campaign will coincide with Cancer Day on Feb 4. The vaccine will be offered to girls in grades six through ten, as well as females aged 10 to 14.
The goal is to vaccinate over 1.68 million girls during the campaign. Dr. Budhathoki emphasized that the HPV vaccine can prevent 90-95% of cervical cancers. Vaccination will take place at schools and health centers across the country.
Dr. Abhiyan Gautam, Chief of the Vaccination Branch at the Family Welfare Division, explained that 18,900 schools and 8,200 vaccination centers will be used, with 27,080 health workers and 54,160 volunteers deployed for the campaign.
Additionally, 15,674 supervisors will oversee the operation.
This school-based vaccination drive will run from Feb 4 to Feb 18.
