KATHMANDU, Sept 13: In a significant move to combat cervical cancer, the government has initiated a vaccination campaign against the human papillomavirus (HPV) starting today.

Health and Population Minister Mohan Bahadur Basnet inaugurated the vaccination campaign at 9:30 AM at the Charitable Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital in Thapathali.

Upon the campaign's launch by Minister Basnet, vaccinations will commence on the third floor of the hospital's OPD building, as informed by hospital director Dr Shree Prasad Adhikari. The vaccination drive is exclusively open to teenage girls born between September 15, 2008, and September 15, 2009. It is advisable to bring an age certificate for vaccination.

The Family Welfare Department plans to carry out the HPV vaccination campaign in its first phase across seven different hospitals nationwide. Abhiyaan Gautam, the head of the vaccine division within the department, confirmed that HPV vaccinations will be administered at hospitals such as Koshi Hospital in Koshi Province, Narayani Hospital Birgunj in Madhesh Province, Pokhara Institute of Health Sciences in Gandaki Province, Bheri Hospital Nepalgunj in Lumbini Province, Provincial Hospital Birendranagar in Karnali Province, and Dadeldhura Hospital in Sudurpaschim Province, in addition to the Charitable Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital.

In this initial phase, the vaccine will be administered to girls aged 14 who have not yet turned 15. Ordinarily, this vaccine is recommended for girls between nine and 14 years old. The government has imported 20,000 vials of the vaccine for distribution to eligible girls.

The current HPV vaccine requires two doses administered six months apart. Research has shown that it is most effective when given before a girl's first sexual intercourse. Proof of age is essential for receiving the first dose, and a vaccination card indicating the first dose is necessary for the second dose.

The government's chosen vaccine is recognized by the World Health Organization and is known as Cicolin, produced by the Chinese company Innovax. It was imported into Nepal by Nandchem Drug Distributors.

Looking ahead, the government plans to expand the vaccination program to include all girls between the ages of 10 and 14, incorporating it into the national-level regular vaccination program and providing vaccinations through health institutions that administer regular vaccinations.

 
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