Protecting Nepal’s Young Girls: The National HPV Vaccination Campaign 2025(2081) Nepal

Nepal is embarking on a groundbreaking national campaign aimed at protecting young girls from cervical cancer. This life-saving initiative involves the administration of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, a globally recognized tool for cervical cancer prevention. Here’s an in-depth exploration of the significance of this campaign. Let’s examine its historical context. We will look at the current status of cervical cancer in Nepal and its implications for public health.

Introduction to Cervical Cancer and HPV

Cervical cancer remains a significant public health challenge globally, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) like Nepal. Caused primarily by persistent infection with high-risk HPV strains, cervical cancer is highly preventable through vaccination and regular screening. The HPV vaccine targets the most common cancer-causing strains, providing robust protection against this deadly disease.

The national campaign in Nepal focuses on girls aged 10–14 years. It targets school-going girls in classes 6 to 10. It also includes non-school-going girls in the same age range. The campaign aims to achieve equitable coverage across urban and rural settings.

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Additionally, the campaign will run from 22nd Magh to 6th Falgun. The vaccine will be administered through school-based and vaccination centers, ensuring maximum coverage of eligible girls. For any queries or assistance, individuals can contact the toll-free number 1115. It targets class 6 to 10 students and non-school-going girls aged 10 to 14 years. To promote awareness, individuals are encouraged to use a dedicated Facebook profile frame and share the campaign widely. Schools and community members are requested to actively participate by contacting vaccination centers to facilitate the process. Click the link to access the frame: www.facebook.com/profilepicframes/?selected_overlay_id=571063529143916.

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A Brief History of HPV Vaccination

The HPV vaccine was first introduced in 2006 and has since been integrated into national immunization programs worldwide. Countries like Australia, Rwanda, and Bhutan have achieved remarkable success in reducing HPV prevalence. They also have lowered cervical cancer rates through robust vaccination campaigns. Nepal’s campaign builds on this global evidence, marking a historic step toward eliminating cervical cancer as a public health problem.

Status of Cervical Cancer in Nepal

Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women in Nepal. Annually, over 2,400 new cases and 1,300 deaths are reported, according to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Among adolescent girls (ages 9–14), vulnerability increases due to limited awareness and access to preventive measures.

Key Facts:

• Adolescent Girls in Schools (6–10 Class): Limited comprehensive health education hinders awareness of HPV and cervical cancer.
• Non-School-Going Girls (10–14 years): Social and economic barriers often exclude these girls from preventive healthcare.
• Geographical Disparities: Rural areas report lower access to vaccinations and screenings compared to urban centers.

The campaign emphasizes that HPV is a type of virus. There are over 200 strains identified. Among these, 12 are considered high-risk for cervical cancer. Among these, HPV-16 and HPV-18 are responsible for 70–80% of cervical cancer cases in Nepal.

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Causes and Features of Cervical Cancer

Causes:

1. Persistent infection with high-risk HPV types (e.g., HPV-16, HPV-18).
2. Early marriage and childbearing.
3. Limited access to screening and healthcare.
4. Tobacco use and co-infections like HIV.

Early Features:

• Abnormal vaginal bleeding (e.g., post-coital bleeding).
• Foul-smelling vaginal discharge.
• Pelvic pain.

Late Features:

• Severe pelvic pain.
• Weight loss and fatigue.
• Lower limb swelling.
• Advanced organ involvement.

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Diagnostic Features and Screening

• Diagnostic Methods:
  • Pap Smear Test: Detects precancerous changes in cervical cells.
  • HPV DNA Test: Identifies high-risk HPV strains.
• Screening Recommendations:
  • WHO recommends HPV testing for women aged 30–49, with earlier interventions in high-risk populations.
  • Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid (VIA) is a low-cost option used in Nepal.

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Management and Prevention

• Management:
  • Early-stage cancers: Surgery (e.g., hysterectomy) and radiation.
  • Advanced cancers: Chemotherapy and palliative care.
• Prevention:
  • HPV Vaccination: Administered to girls before sexual debut, ensuring high efficacy.
  • Public Awareness Campaigns: Promoting safe sexual practices and regular screenings.
  • Integration with School Health Programs: Reaching adolescent girls systematically.

National Campaign Strategies in Nepal

1. Targeted Outreach: Collaboration with schools, NGOs, and local health facilities to vaccinate school-going and non-school-going girls.
2. Awareness Programs: Leveraging mass media, community meetings, and health education to promote the benefits of HPV vaccination.
3. Equity-Focused Approaches: Addressing geographical, social, and economic barriers to ensure widespread coverage.
4. Partnerships: Involving international organizations like WHO, UNICEF, and Gavi for technical and financial support.

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Global Examples of Success

• Australia: The HPV vaccination program reduced HPV prevalence by over 90% among vaccinated populations.
• Rwanda: Achieved over 93% vaccination coverage in schoolgirls through a comprehensive school-based approach.
• Bhutan: Integrated vaccination with cultural and religious practices, ensuring widespread acceptance.

Nepal’s campaign is poised to emulate these successes, offering hope for a cervical cancer-free future.

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References

1. International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). (https://www.iarc.who.int)
2. World Health Organization (WHO). (https://www.who.int)
3. Global HPV Vaccine Impact Studies. (https://hpvglobalaction.org)
4. UNICEF Nepal. (https://www.unicef.org/nepal)
5. Ministry of Health and Population, Nepal. (https://www.mohp.gov.np)
6. Gavi, The Vaccine Alliance. (https://www.gavi.org)
7. Australian Cervical Cancer Foundation. (https://www.accf.org.au)
8. Rwanda Biomedical Centre. (https://www.rbc.gov.rw)
9. Bhutan’s National Immunization Program. (https://www.health.gov.bt)

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This national HPV vaccination campaign is a transformative initiative in Nepal’s public health journey. By protecting young girls today, Nepal is paving the way for a healthier, cancer-free generation.