Nepal Launches Nationwide Health Campaign to Combat Non-Communicable Diseases

The Nepal government has initiated a month-long health campaign to tackle non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and hypertension. The campaign will provide free health screenings and aims to raise awareness about these diseases. Concurrently, a vaccination drive against HPV targeting girls is underway, with significant participation.

The Nepal government has kicked off a nationwide month-long health campaign starting Thursday, aiming to address the rising burden of non-communicable diseases. Initiated by the Ministry of Health and Population, the campaign will feature free testing for hypertension, diabetes, and more at local health facilities.

Health Minister Pradeep Paudel, while inaugurating the initiative in Pokhara, voiced concerns over the escalating number of non-communicable disease cases, stressing the need for preventive strategies. "If this trend continues, the health sector's goals might remain unmet," he warned.

A simultaneous HPV vaccination drive is also in progress, aiming to inoculate over 1.6 million girls aged 11-14 by mid-February, with a current inoculation reach of 70% of the target demographic.

(With inputs from agencies.)