The Nepal Australian Cervical Cancer Foundation (NACCF) is a non-profit organization that aims to reduce the incidence of cervical cancer in Nepal through targeted programs focusing on prevention, screening, and treatment. The foundation works to raise awareness about cervical cancer, provide education on prevention methods such as HPV vaccination and regular screenings, and support access to affordable and effective treatment options for those affected by the disease. NACCF collaborates with local healthcare providers, government agencies, and international partners to implement sustainable initiatives that address the unique challenges faced in Nepal in relation to cervical cancer.
NACCF has been working for reducing the mortality and morbidity due to cervical and breast cancer among Nepali women. Among all cancers, cervical cancer is the number one killer affecting the Nepali women and their lively hood whereas, breast cancer ranks the second. This has been and still is a major problem of Nepali women.
Mission
NACCF’s mission is to minimise the incidence and burden of cervical and breast cancer and related women’s health issues on women, their families and communities, by developing practical and appropriate programs and partnering with like- minded governments, organizations and individuals to achieve our aims.
Vision
Promoting and facilitating screening and treatment for cervical and related women’s health issues in developing countries is an objective of the Australian Cervical Cancer Foundation (ACCF). A mutual desire is necessary to enhance women’s health by minimizing cervical cancer and related health issues in Nepal.
Aim
- To promote awareness and prevention of Cervical and Breast cancer in Nepal.
- To facilitate training for Nepali health professionals working in the area of women’s health, in particular cervical and breast cancer prevention.
Strategies
- To mobilize grass root level women organization, mother’s group and other NGOs and health association in the prevention of cervical and breast cancer.
- To develop appropriate networking with the local health professionals, social workers and community leaders in the prevention of the cervical and breast cancer and improve the general health of the women.
- To dissimilate cervical and breast cancer information to women and the people in general and try to get their support in our mission.
General activities
- Cervical and breast cancer education and awareness activities.
- Cervical cancer technical skills transfer training.
- CCSP/BCSP screening camps, follow up test and treatment in various parts of the country.
- School level HPV vaccination.
- Prepare instrumental manuals, hand books, training guides on cancer and relates areas.
- Published cancer related news and information in the national and international media.
- Linkage and networking activities.
- Fund raising and promotional activities.
Introduction of the HPV Vaccine in Nepal - 2008
HPV Vaccination – Gardasil
Gardasil is quadrivalent vaccine that protects against four strains of HPV HPV 16 &18 – causing approx 75% of cervical cancer cases HPV 6 & 11 – causing approx 90% of genital warts Gardasil can also protect against vaginal and vulvar cancer. Gardasil does not protect against cervical cancer and diseases caused by other HPV strains. Therefore, even with the use of the vaccine, routine screening is essential )
HPV Vaccine school-based program 2008-2014
The Gardasil HPV vaccine was introduced in Nepal in 2008 and implemented by the Nepal Australian Cervical Cancer Foundation (NACCF) and supported by the AXIOS Gardasil Access Program (GAP) USA, Australian Cervical Cancer Foundation (ACCF), Australian Himalayan Foundation (AHF)