Baragadhi – In a significant step towards preventing cervical cancer, Baragadhi Rural Municipality organised an orientation and interaction session on the HPV (Human Papillomavirus) vaccine for the municipal-level vaccination coordination committee, journalists, and media representatives. The programme was held on Friday at the municipal assembly hall under the leadership of Rural Municipality Chairperson Ashok Kumar Jaiswal.
The HPV vaccination campaign, launched nationwide by
the Nepalese government, will be conducted in two phases across community and
private schools. In Madhesh Province, the campaign will run from Magh 23 to Falgun 6, 2081, targeting girls
aged 10 to 14 years, including
those not attending school. The first phase in Bara district will take place
from Magh 22 to 24, followed by
the second phase from Falgun 4 to 6
in Baragadhi and other remaining municipalities.
During the session, Health Coordinator Omprakash
Chaudhary urged parents and guardians to ensure that eligible girls receive the
HPV vaccine at designated school-based centres. The importance of this
vaccination was emphasised with alarming statistics: globally, 570,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer
annually, and the death toll is expected to rise to 400,000 by 2030. In Nepal, 2,169 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer
each year, and 1,313 lose their
lives, averaging four deaths per
day.
Vice-Chairperson Laxmi Devi Ray, Chief Administrative
Officer Saroj Kumar Chaudhary, and WHO Representative Sudish Adhikari also
attended the event. The session was further enriched by the participation of ward chairpersons, school principals, health post
chiefs, local representatives, and journalists. The presence of local
police officials and municipal department heads highlighted the campaign’s
importance in ensuring community-wide awareness and implementation.
The Nepalese government has introduced the Cecolin vaccine, which protects against
HPV strains 16 and 18, the
leading causes of cervical cancer. Citizens were encouraged to seek more
information by calling the toll-free helpline 1115.
With strong community participation and leadership
support, the programme aimed to educate,
encourage, and mobilise resources to make the vaccination drive a
success, ensuring a healthier future for young girls in Baragadhi.
