Nepal's HPV Vaccine Initiative

KATHMANDU – In a significant health advancement, Nepal has welcomed 460,940 doses of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine as of Tuesday evening. This initial batch marks the beginning of a nationwide vaccination initiative set to commence on February 5 next year, aiming to shield thousands of young girls from the dangers of cervical cancer.

Initial Delivery and Plans

Health officials have indicated that this delivery is just the first installment of an ambitious plan requiring over 1.7 million doses for the initial phase of the vaccination campaign. Om Prasad Upadhyay, an immunisation supervisor at the Department of Health Services, confirmed, “This is the first tranche of HPV vaccine doses we have received. We expect the remaining doses to arrive well before the vaccination campaign launches.”

Cervical Cancer Concern in Nepal

Cervical cancer, primarily driven by the HPV infection—which spreads through skin-to-skin contact—remains a pressing health concern in Nepal. It holds the grim title of the second-most frequent cancer in developing countries, claiming the lives of many women each year. According to statistics from the BP Koirala Memorial Cancer Hospital in Bharatpur, more than 700 women seek treatment for cervical cancer annually, underscoring the necessity for widespread vaccination.

The Impact of Vaccination

Experts note that early intervention can reduce cervical cancer cases by as much as 80%. Countries such as Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and the Maldives have already successfully integrated HPV vaccinations into their healthcare systems. Meanwhile, neighboring nations like India and Indonesia have initiated localized programs within specific districts.

Previous Programs in Nepal

Nepal previously conducted a pilot program in 2016, administering HPV vaccines to girls aged 11-13 in Chitwan and Kaski districts. Following this, last year, the government purchased 20,000 doses and managed to vaccinate around 9,000 girls aged 14-15 across all provinces. Due to challenges in boosting vaccine uptake, health authorities shifted their strategy to school-based vaccinations.

Health Professionals' Insights

Health professionals emphasize that most cervical cancer cases are associated with HPV. Therefore, a robust vaccination program could drastically lower the incidence of cervical and other HPV-related cancers around the globe.

Upcoming Vaccination Drive

Looking ahead, the Ministry of Health and Population is gearing up for the launch of the HPV vaccination drive, targeting over 1.68 million girls aged 10 to 14. Each participant will receive two vaccine doses spaced 12 months apart.

Global Support and Future Plans

The Global Alliance for Vaccine and Immunisation (GAVI) has pledged to provide the necessary vaccine doses free of charge, along with funding for campaign operations, making it a remarkable initiative in public health.

Long-term Commitment

After the completion of this lead data collection phase, the Nepalese government also plans to incorporate the HPV vaccine into its routine immunization schedule. Officials estimate that approximately 350,000 girls aged 10 will benefit from this essential vaccine, which is a monumental step towards eradicating cervical cancer in the nation.

However, officials also note that Nepal will need to begin covering a portion of the vaccine costs once it becomes part of the routine immunization program, emphasizing the long-term commitment required to protect the health of future generations.