HPV vaccine arrives in Nepal; nationwide campaign set for February 2025

KATHMANDU: Nepal has received its first shipment of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine to combat cervical cancer.

The initial batch consists of 460,940 doses of the Cicoline vaccine, produced by the Chinese company Innovax, and supported by the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI).

In total, 1.77 million doses will be delivered for the campaign.

Dr Abhiyan Gautam, Head of the Vaccination Section under the Family Welfare Division of the Department of Health Services, announced that 1.688 million girls aged 10 to 14 years will be vaccinated free of charge during the campaign, which will run from February 4 to February 18, 2025.

To ensure broad coverage, 18,900 schools have been designated as vaccination centers.

Additionally, health institutions outside of schools will also provide the vaccine. The campaign will mobilize 27,080 health workers, 54,160 volunteers, and 15,674 supervisors.

Studies show that the HPV vaccine reduces the risk of cervical cancer caused by HPV infection by 70 percent.