Dhankuta District to Launch HPV Vaccination Campaign Against Cervical Cancer

Dhankuta. Under the regular school-centered vaccination program of the Government of Nepal, a campaign to administer the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine against cervical cancer will be conducted in Dhankuta district on the upcoming Magh 27, 28, and 29. The Health Office Dhankuta has made special preparations to protect its young girls from this disease, which is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women.

According to statistics, 1,313 women die every year in Nepal due to cervical cancer, averaging four deaths daily. Eighty-eight percent of the global burden of this cancer lies in low- and middle-income countries like Nepal. Various studies have shown that the HPV vaccine, administered during early adolescence, is highly effective in preventing this alarming situation.

This year, the target is to vaccinate 1,285 eligible girls across Dhankuta district. Under the campaign, all female students studying in Grade 6 and adolescent girls aged 10 who are out of school will receive the vaccine. Furthermore, the Health Office stated that female students studying in Grades 7 to 10 and adolescent girls aged 11 to 14 who are out of school and missed the vaccination last year will also be given this vaccine.

This vaccine, administered at schools by trained health workers, is completely safe and free of cost. The Health Office has requested parents not to fall for any misconceptions or misinformation and to ensure their daughters get vaccinated at school. Adolescent girls who miss the vaccination at school can receive it from the nearest health facility on the final day of the campaign.