WHO Declares Nepal Free of Rubella
(MENAFN) The World Health Organization (WHO) announced on Monday that Nepal has successfully eradicated rubella as a public health issue within its borders.
“Nepal’s success reflects the unwavering commitment of its leadership, persistent efforts of the healthcare workers and volunteers, and unstinting support of engaged and informed communities, for a healthy start for babies and a future free of rubella disease,” stated Catharina Boehme, the officer-in-charge of WHO in Southeast Asia.
Dr. Rajesh Sambhajirao Pandav, the WHO representative in Nepal, highlighted that this “achievement is the result of close collaboration between the Government, dedicated health workers, partners and communities.”
The Himalayan country launched a national immunization initiative in 2012, which included the rubella vaccine targeting children aged nine months to 15 years.
To ensure wide coverage, Nepal conducted four nationwide vaccination campaigns in 2012, 2016, 2020, and 2024.
By 2024, the nation had successfully vaccinated over 95% of the target population with at least one dose of the rubella vaccine, sufficient to establish herd immunity.
Nepal also pioneered a laboratory testing protocol for disease surveillance, becoming the first country in the Southeast Asia region to implement such a system.
To date, four countries in Southeast Asia have eliminated measles, while six countries, including Nepal most recently, have eradicated rubella.
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