KATHMANDU: In Kavrepalanchok, 95 percent of female students from grades 6 to 10 have been vaccinated against Human Papillomavirus (HPV), a major cause of cervical cancer. Out of the targeted 16,097 students, 15,344 received the vaccine, according to the District Health Office in Dhulikhel.
From February 4 to February 18, an immunization campaign aimed at preventing and controlling cervical cancer was accomplished under the aegis of the National Vaccination Program. The government authorized WHO-approved vaccines for school girls of classes 6-10 and out-of-school females aged 10-14.
The District Health Office chief, Ragishree Kakshapati Shrestha, stated that full coverage was not possible because some kids declined the vaccination, presumably because they were unaware of it. Despite this, the program is regarded as successful because the vaccination was given to girls from 84 institutional schools and 252 community schools.
Most of the 13 local levels in the district achieved about 99 percent immunization coverage, suggesting strong enthusiasm and good communication initiatives.
According to data from the Ministry of Health, approximately 2,200 women in Nepal are diagnosed with cervical cancer every year, making this a major health issue. Nearly 1,300 of them die each year.
This immunization program for cervical cancer is believed to contribute significantly to the long-term reduction of cases. Thus, accessibility and awareness in public health campaigns should be emphasized.
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