KATHMANDU: The government has urged adolescent girls not to be misled by misinformation and to receive the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine against cervical cancer.
Chairperson of the National Immunization Advisory Committee, Ramesh Kant Adhikari, called on parents and guardians to ensure that eligible girls are vaccinated without fear.
The Ministry of Health and Population has launched a nationwide vaccination campaign from February 8 to 27 targeting girls studying in Grade 6 and out-of-school girls aged 10 years.
Dr. Adhikari stated that the HPV vaccine is recognized by the World Health Organization and approved by Nepal’s Department of Drug Administration, assuring that it is safe and effective.
Under the campaign, girls who missed last year’s HPV drive, currently studying in Grades 7 to 10, as well as out-of-school girls aged 11 to 14 will also be vaccinated.
Highlighting Nepal’s success in eradicating smallpox and controlling polio through immunization, Dr. Adhikari encouraged families to confidently participate in the campaign. He noted that after years of effort, Nepal has successfully introduced the HPV vaccine, which can protect girls from serious diseases such as cervical cancer.
The campaign aims to vaccinate around 350,000 girls against cervical cancer across the country.
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