HPV Vaccination Campaign for 3,595 Schoolgirls Begins in Nawalparasi

A Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign will be held in Nawalparasi (Bardaghat Susta East) to protect schoolgirls from cervical cancer. The program will target 3,595 sixth-grade girls studying in 174 community and institutional schools.

Keshav Chapagain, head of the Provincial Public Health Office in Nawalparasi, said the campaign will run from 13 to 25 February and cover all eight local levels of the district. He shared the planned vaccination numbers for each area: 810 in Kawasoti Municipality, 730 in Gaindakot, 635 in Devchuli, 552 in Madhyabindu, 384 in Binayi Triveni Rural Municipality, 271 in Hupsekot, 111 in Bulingtar, and 102 in Baudikali Rural Municipality.

A total of 249 vaccination centers have been set up. Chapagain said 339 health workers and the same number of volunteers will take part. All necessary materials, such as syringes, vaccine carriers, and safety boxes, are ready.

Chapagain explained that HPV infection is a major cause of cervical cancer in women. Vaccinating girls at an early age can greatly reduce their risk in the future. He added that the vaccine is free, safe, and effective.

The Provincial Public Health Office has urged schools, parents, and local authorities to ensure that all targeted students take part. Health statistics show that around 2,169 women in Nepal are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year, and 1,313 die from the disease. Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women in the country. Officials hope this campaign will improve women’s health and reduce cases of cervical cancer over time.