The World Health Organisation (WHO) has officially declared Nepal free from rubella, a highly contagious viral disease that can cause severe complications and death in children.
Dr. Katharina Boehm, Acting Head of WHO’s South-East Asia Regional Office, congratulated Nepal for its achievement and praised the country’s sustained immunisation efforts. Since 2012, Nepal has conducted nationwide rubella vaccination campaigns, reaching over 95 per cent of children by 2024. The campaigns targeted children aged nine months to 15 years and integrated rubella vaccines into the national immunisation schedule, with a second dose added in 2016.
Health Minister Pradeep Paudel acknowledged the contribution of health workers, female community volunteers, civil society, and development partners in achieving this milestone.
Rubella, often confused with measles, spreads quickly and can cause birth defects, miscarriage, and severe complications in children with weak immunity. Without treatment, infection can be life-threatening, but vaccination remains the most effective preventive measure. Nepal has provided regular measles and rubella vaccines for decades, ensuring the safety and well-being of its children even during health emergencies such as earthquakes and the COVID-19 pandemic.
The WHO’s South-East Asia Regional Verification Commission monitors progress toward eliminating measles and rubella across the region. Nepal’s success sets a benchmark for other countries in the region and highlights the importance of sustained public health initiatives in safeguarding children from preventable diseases.
