The government is launching a nationwide HPV vaccination campaign from February 8 to February 27, 2026, to help control cervical cancer among women.
The vaccine will be given to girls studying in Grade 6 and to out-of-school girls aged 10 years across the country. Additionally, special provisions have been made to vaccinate girls studying in Grades 7 to 10 and out-of-school girls aged 11 to 14 who missed last year’s campaign.
Since vaccination dates may vary by local level, parents and adolescent girls are encouraged to contact their nearest school or health institution for details.
The Child Health and Immunisation Section estimates that about 350,000 girls will receive the vaccine this year, compared to around 1.7 million vaccinated last year.
Cervical cancer ranks as the most common cancer among women in Nepal. It is primarily caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), which can enter the body through unsafe sexual contact or other means.
Studies show that receiving the vaccine at an early age, especially before sexual activity begins, can provide more than 90 per cent protection. The government aims to include the HPV vaccine in the routine immunisation schedule to significantly reduce premature deaths caused by cervical cancer in the future.
