Kathmandu, Feb. 20 -- Vaccination against human papillomavirus (HPV) will begin only after March 5 in five mountain districts-Manang, Mustang, Humla, Dolpa and Mugu-as chilling weather conditions have forced health authorities to delay the rollout.

Health officials say that the ongoing vaccination drive in 72 districts across the country will be completed by the end of February, and immunisation in five mountain districts will start only after the snow melts.

"Snowfall in various parts of Manang, Mustang, Humla, Mugu and Dolpa districts has delayed the vaccination," said Dr Abhiyan Gautam, chief of the Immunisation Section at the Family Welfare Division under the Department of Health Services. "All eligible girls will be administered th...