KATHMANDU: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has formally launched the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign today.
The Prime Minister visited Shivapuri Higher Secondary School in Baluwatar, where he distributed vaccination materials to health workers from Kathmandu Metropolitan-3. The nationwide campaign will run through February 18.
The initiative targets girls in grades six to ten, while the Department of Health Services is also ensuring that out-of-school girls aged 10-14 can access the vaccine.
A total of 1,688,900 girls are expected to receive the vaccine, which provides protection against cervical cancer.
According to the Ministry of Health and Population, cervical cancer is the second most prevalent cancer in Nepal, responsible for an average of four deaths daily. The condition is primarily caused by a persistent human papillomavirus infection.