Nepal Achieves Rubella Elimination
The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially declared Nepal free of rubella, marking public health achievement. This milestone marks Nepal’s persistent efforts to protect its population from vaccine-preventable diseases despite challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic and natural disasters. Nepal is now the sixth country in the WHO South-East Asia Region to eliminate rubella, reinforcing the region’s commitment to disease control by 2026.
What is Rubella?
- Rubella is a contagious viral infection also known as German measles.
- It poses serious risks to pregnant women, potentially causing miscarriage, stillbirth, or severe birth defects.
- The disease is preventable through vaccination, which is safe and cost-effective.
- Elimination of rubella helps protect future generations from lifelong disabilities.
Steps Towards Elimination in Nepal
Nepal introduced the rubella vaccine in 2012 with a nationwide campaign targeting children aged nine months to 15 years. A second dose was added to the routine immunization schedule in 2016. Since then, Nepal conducted four national vaccination campaigns in 2012, 2016, 2020, and 2024. These efforts maintained high coverage despite public health emergencies, achieving over 95% vaccination by 2024.
Innovative Immunization Strategies
Nepal adopted innovative approaches like declaring an ‘immunization month’ to intensify vaccination efforts. Outreach programmes targeted children who missed vaccinations. Districts were motivated to achieve ‘fully immunized’ status. These strategies strengthened community participation and health worker commitment, driving the elimination progress.
Enhanced Surveillance
To monitor rubella cases, Nepal implemented a robust laboratory testing algorithm, the first of its kind in the WHO South-East Asia Region. This improved disease surveillance enabled accurate data collection and timely response. The Regional Verification Commission for Measles and Rubella evaluated Nepal’s data and recommended rubella elimination certification.
Regional and Global Context
Nepal joins Bhutan, DPR Korea, Maldives, Sri Lanka, and Timor-Leste in eliminating rubella in the South-East Asia Region. The regional goal to eliminate measles and rubella was set for 2026 after setbacks during the COVID-19 pandemic. Nepal’s success reflects strong government leadership, international support from WHO and Gavi, and active community engagement.
Significance for Public Health
Eliminating rubella reduces the burden of congenital rubella syndrome and related disabilities. It strengthens national immunization programmes and health systems. Nepal’s achievement serves as a model for other countries striving to eliminate vaccine-preventable diseases under challenging conditions.
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