Government Urges Teenage Girls to Get HPV Vaccine, Counters Misinformation

Nepal Launches Nationwide HPV Vaccination Campaign Against Cervical Cancer

The Nepalese government has launched an urgent appeal to adolescent girls and their families to participate in the country’s Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign, addressing concerns about misinformation that might deter participation.

Ramesh Kant Adhikari, Chairperson of the National Immunization Advisory Committee, emphasized the importance of the vaccination program during a recent press briefing. “We urge parents and guardians to ensure their daughters receive this life-saving vaccine without hesitation,” Adhikari stated. “The vaccine is completely safe and has been thoroughly vetted by international and national health authorities.”

The Ministry of Health and Population initiated the nationwide campaign on February 8, which will continue until February 27. The primary targets are girls enrolled in Grade 6 and out-of-school girls aged 10 years. Additionally, the program extends to girls who missed last year’s vaccination drive, including those currently studying in Grades 7 through 10 and out-of-school girls between 11 and 14 years of age.

Officials estimate that approximately 350,000 girls across Nepal will receive protection against cervical cancer through this initiative. The campaign represents a significant public health effort in a country where cervical cancer remains a leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women.

Dr. Adhikari sought to reassure the public about the vaccine’s safety, pointing out that the HPV vaccine has received full approval from both the World Health Organization (WHO) and Nepal’s Department of Drug Administration. This dual endorsement underscores the rigorous testing and safety protocols the vaccine has undergone before distribution.

“Nepal has a strong track record of successful immunization campaigns,” Dr. Adhikari noted, referring to the country’s previous achievements in eradicating smallpox and controlling polio. “The introduction of the HPV vaccine represents years of dedicated effort and will protect our young women from a serious disease that claims too many lives unnecessarily.”

Cervical cancer is caused primarily by persistent infection with high-risk types of HPV, a common sexually transmitted infection. According to WHO data, cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer among women globally, with approximately 90% of the 311,000 annual deaths occurring in low and middle-income countries like Nepal.

The HPV vaccine is most effective when administered before exposure to the virus, which is why health authorities worldwide recommend vaccination for adolescent girls. When administered at the recommended age, the vaccine can prevent more than 90% of HPV-related cancers.

The Nepalese campaign comes at a time when many countries are intensifying efforts to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem. The WHO launched a global strategy in 2020 aiming to vaccinate 90% of girls by age 15, screen 70% of women by age 35 and again by 45, and treat 90% of women identified with cervical disease.

Despite the proven efficacy of the HPV vaccine, health officials in Nepal have encountered challenges related to misinformation and vaccine hesitancy. Social media platforms have been flooded with unfounded claims about vaccine side effects, prompting the government’s current push to educate the public.

Health ministry officials emphasized that side effects of the HPV vaccine are typically mild and temporary, similar to those of other routine vaccinations. Common reactions include pain at the injection site, mild fever, and headache, which usually resolve within a day or two.

The vaccination drive is being conducted primarily through schools, with dedicated outreach programs to reach girls who are not enrolled in educational institutions. Local health workers have been mobilized to administer the vaccines and provide accurate information to communities about the importance of HPV vaccination in preventing cervical cancer.