The Ministry of Health and Population has introduced the ‘Human Papillomavirus’ (HPV) vaccine to protect against cervical cancer, with support from the Global Alliance (Gavi).
Dr. Pawan Jung Rayamajhi, director of the Supply Management Division at the Department of Health Services, mentioned that 460,940 doses of the vaccine have arrived. These vaccines are currently stored in Teku and will gradually be sent to different provinces.
The HPV vaccine has been brought to Nepal with Gavi’s assistance. To protect young girls from cancer early in life, the government is starting a vaccination campaign from Magh 23. This 15-day campaign will target girls in grades 6 to 10 and those aged 10 to 14 who are not attending school. A total of 1,688,900 girls will be vaccinated, according to Dr. Abhiyan Gautam, head of the Child Health and Immunization Section. Gavi will provide 1,770,000 doses of the vaccine to Nepal.
Every year, cervical cancer causes the death of about four women in Nepal. The main cause of cervical cancer is infection with the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). Vaccination is essential to prevent this infection.
HPV infection can be caused by factors such as marrying at a young age, having children at an early age, having many children in quick succession, having multiple sexual partners, smoking and drinking alcohol frequently, and neglecting personal hygiene in intimate areas.
