Kathmandu: Nepal has successfully eliminated rubella, the World Health Organisation (WHO) announced in a press release. This achievement marks a significant milestone for the country as it continues efforts to protect its population from vaccine-preventable diseases.
According to National News Agency Nepal, the WHO emphasized Nepal’s remarkable progress in combating rubella, a highly contagious viral infection. Rubella poses serious risks, particularly for pregnant women, as it can lead to severe outcomes such as miscarriage, stillbirth, or lifelong birth defects. However, the disease is preventable with safe and cost-effective vaccines.
Dr. Catharina Boehme, Officer-In-Charge WHO South-East Asia, highlighted the commitment of Nepal’s leadership, healthcare workers, and communities in achieving this success. She endorsed the recommendation from the Regional Verification Commission for Measles and Rubella elimination in the South-East Asia Region for Nepal’s verification of rubella elimination.
Nepal becomes the sixth country in the South-East Asia region to eliminate rubella. The country introduced the rubella-containing vaccine into its immunization program in 2012, targeting an age group from 9 months to 15 years through a nationwide campaign. By 2024, Nepal had achieved over 95% coverage for at least one dose of the rubella vaccine.
Dr. Rajesh Sambhajirao Pandav, WHO Representative to Nepal, congratulated the nation for this public health achievement. He acknowledged the collaboration between the government, health workers, partners, and communities and expressed the WHO’s pride in contributing to Nepal’s journey towards rubella elimination. He also reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to supporting Nepal in sustaining this accomplishment.
Nepal had initially set a target to eliminate measles and rubella by 2026 BS, underscoring its dedication to improving public health outcomes for its citizens.