Govt begins administering HPV vaccine to young girls

KATHMANDU: The government has begun administering vaccines to protect young girls against human papillomavirus (HPV) and cervical cancer.

Minister for Health and Population Mohan Bahadur Basnet inaugurated the vaccination campaign at the Paropakar Maternity and Women’s Hospital (Prasuti Griha) in Kathmandu on Wednesday.

Girls aged between 14 and 15 i.e. those born between September 15, 2008 and September 15, 2009 are being administered the vaccine free of cost.

According to the ministry, the vaccine is also being administered at Narayani Hospital, Birgunj, of Madhesh Province; Gandaki Academy of Health Sciences, Pokhara of Gandaki Province; Bheri Hospital, Banke of Lumbini Province; Karnali Provincial Hospital, Surkhe of Karnali Province; and Dadelddhura Hospital, Dadeldhura of Sudhupashchim Province. The campaign will begin at Koshi Hospital, Biratnagar of Koshi Province, on Thursday.

The government has imported 20,000 doses of HPV vaccine from China.

Dr Sangita Kaushal Mishra, Director General of the Department of Health Services, said young girls in the prescribed age group can get the first dose of the vaccine by furnishing an official document that proves their age.

The government had earlier piloted HPV vaccination in Chitwan and Kaski some seven years ago.