KATHMANDU: All seven of Nepal's provinces have received Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccinations from the Ministry of Health and Population. Through the implementation of a countrywide immunization campaign for females aged 10 to 14, this project seeks to prevent cervical cancer. Between February 4 and February 18, the campaign aims to vaccinate 1.688 million females nationwide.
With the assistance of the Global Alliance for Vaccine and Immunization (GAVI), 1.770 million doses of the HPV vaccine have been acquired, according to Dr. Pawan Jung Rayamajhi, Director of the Department of Health Services' Logistic Management Division. He underlined that GAVI offered the cervical cancer vaccine to girls for free.
Based on their requirements, each province has received a certain number of vaccination doses. Bagmati Province received 125,800 doses for Hetauda and 218,280 doses for Bhaktapur, Madhes Province received 380,460 doses, and Koshi Province received 275,180 doses. Furthermore, 130,870 doses were distributed to Gandaki Province, 298,910 to Lumbini Province, 124,400 to Karnali Province, and 187,120 to Sudurpaschim Province. Districts will thereafter receive these immunizations from the provinces.
Four Nepali women lose their lives to cervical cancer every day, Dr. Rayamajhi noted, underscoring the pressing need for this vaccination effort. He underlined the importance of taking preventative measures to reduce this burden and protect young girls' health.
The HPV vaccination campaign is a key component of Nepal's attempts to prevent cervical cancer. By targeting the most vulnerable age group, the government intends to improve women's health and reduce the long-term impacts of the illness.
This initiative is an excellent illustration of the value of international collaboration in tackling public health issues. It is a collaborative effort between the Nepali government and partners such as GAVI.
