HPV Vaccination Campaign Launched in Bhojpur Rural Municipality to Combat Cervical Cancer

Bhojpur. Preparations have begun to launch an HPV vaccination campaign against cervical cancer in the Pauwadungma Rural Municipality here. The rural municipality stated that the campaign is being organized targeting girls aged 10 to 14 years with the objective of protecting them from cancer during their adolescence.

Gehendra Prasad Upadhyay, Chief of the Health Branch of the rural municipality, informed that 90 adolescent girls studying in Grade 6 in eight secondary and basic schools within the rural municipality will be vaccinated. According to him, the vaccination campaign will run for three days, from Magh 28 to Falgun 1.

He mentioned that arrangements have been made to administer the vaccine at the schools themselves. "The HPV vaccine will be administered by reaching all designated schools in the rural municipality," he said, "Adolescent girls outside of school who are in the same age group will also be included in the campaign."

To ensure that adolescent girls outside of school are not left behind, the rural municipality has started a household survey. The Health Branch stated that data collection for adolescent girls is being carried out through female health volunteers and health workers.

This is expected to reduce the risk of vaccine inaccessibility. According to health workers, cervical cancer is one of the major cancers seen in women. Since the risk of infection increases if the vaccine is not administered on time, the HPV vaccine is considered highly effective during adolescence. Doctors state that the vaccine reduces the risk of future cancer.

The Government of Nepal has set a goal to control cervical cancer by 2030. In line with this goal, HPV vaccination campaigns, VIA testing, and early treatment programs are being conducted across the country. The proactiveness of local levels is making these programs effective.

Pauwadungma Rural Municipality has stated that it has prioritized this campaign and aims to bring all adolescent girls within the reach of the vaccine. The rural municipality informed that preparations are underway to make the campaign successful in collaboration with local representatives, school administration, and parents.

According to the Health Branch, an awareness program regarding cervical cancer will also be conducted alongside the vaccination campaign. The plan is to provide information about cancer risks, prevention, and treatment methods targeting adolescents, parents, and teachers. This initiative by the rural municipality is expected to strengthen the health security of adolescent girls in rural areas and reduce the risk of cancer in women in the long run.