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Nepal launches nationwide HPV vaccination campaign

The school-based campaign will run from Magh 22 to Falgun 6, covering the entire country.

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KATHMANDU: Marking World Cancer Day, the Ministry of Health and Population has launched a nationwide free HPV vaccination campaign against cervical cancer, starting today.

The school-based campaign will run from Magh 22 to Falgun 6, covering the entire country.

Cervical cancer is the most common cancer among women in Nepal. To reduce its risk, the government aims to vaccinate around 1.7 million adolescent girls.

The campaign targets 1,688,768 girls, including those studying in grades 6 to 10 and out-of-school girls aged 10 to 14.

Dr. Prakash Budhathoki, spokesperson for the Ministry of Health, urged all stakeholders to actively participate. “We have successfully conducted pilot programs. With the involvement of multiple agencies, we aim to ensure no eligible girl is left out,” he said.

The campaign will operate through 18,900 school vaccination centers and 8,200 other centers, with 27,080 health workers, 54,160 volunteers, and 15,674 supervisors mobilized.

Vaccine is safe & effective

Cervical cancer can be prevented if diagnosed and treated early. According to Dr. Srishti Shrestha Prajapati, a gynecologic oncologist, over 90% of cervical cancer cases are caused by HPV infection. “HPV vaccination reduces the risk significantly. It is globally tested, safe, and has no adverse effects like infertility or menstrual disorders,” she clarified.

Statistics from the Ministry of Health reveal that cervical cancer claims four lives daily in Nepal. The Global Cancer Observatory (2022) reported 2,169 new cases annually, with 1,313 deaths, averaging four daily fatalities.

Dr. Budhathoki assured that the HPV vaccine provides 90-95% protection. “More than 145 countries have introduced it, and 61 have fully integrated it into their national immunization programs. The WHO and Nepal’s Department of Drug Administration have approved it, making it a scientifically validated vaccine,” he stated.

Minor side effects, such as pain at the injection site, swelling, or fever, may occur but resolve within days. He dismissed misinformation about the vaccine and emphasized that medical teams are prepared to manage any reactions.

Nepal first introduced HPV vaccination in Kaski and Chitwan in FY 2072/73 and 2073/74 with GAVI’s support. In FY 2080/81, a demonstration program vaccinated 10,000 girls in select hospitals across all provinces. It has now been incorporated into Nepal’s National Immunization Schedule.

The WHO has set a 90-70-90 goal for cervical cancer elimination by 2030, which Nepal aligns with: 90% of girls vaccinated by age 15, 70% of women screened at ages 35 and 45, and 90% of diagnosed cases receiving proper treatment.