Govt rolling out free cervical cancer vaccination campaign in February

KATHMANDU: The government has decided to provide free cervical cancer vaccines to adolescent girls across the country.

Following a ministerial-level decision taken on Tuesday, the Ministry of Health and Population is planning to start a nationwide vaccination campaign on February 4 coinciding with World Cancer Day.

“We made this decision to protect girls from cancer at an early age,” Minister for Health and Population Pradeep Poudel said. “We have seen many women lose their lives to cervical cancer. By vaccinating young girls, we can save many lives. This is why we are launching this campaign.”

According to Dr Prakash Budhathoki, the spokesperson for the health ministry, approximately 1.6 million girls, aged between 7 and 14 years, across the country will benefit from this 15-day campaign.

Government data shows four women die from cervical cancer every day in Nepal.

Minister Paudel has also decided to include the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine in the regular vaccination program starting next year. Under this program, girls currently in grade 6 or aged 10 years can receive the vaccine if they wish to be included in this year’s regular vaccination program.

Minister Poudel had informed the WHO Director-General and other officials about Nepal’s planned vaccination campaign and requested necessary support during the World Health Summit held in Germany last month,

The global vaccine alliance, GAVI, has also committed to supporting the ministry’s initiative.