Nepal Eliminates Rubella as a Public Health Problem

Strategic Insights -

Nepal has made a groundbreaking achievement by eliminating rubella as a public health problem, a remarkable milestone celebrated by the World Health Organization (WHO). This victory comes after a decade-long effort to introduce safe and cost-effective vaccines via a nationwide immunization program, beginning with a campaign targeting children aged nine months to 15 years in 2012. The program showed significant progress, with over 95% coverage of at least one dose of rubella vaccine by the start of 2024. The innovative approach and collaborative efforts between the government, health workers, partners, and communities have paid off, making Nepal the latest country to achieve this remarkable feat.

Key Takeaways:

  • Nepal introduced rubella vaccines via a nationwide immunisation programme in 2012, targeting children aged nine months to 15 years.
  • The programme showed significant progress, with over 95% coverage of at least one dose of rubella vaccine by the start of 2024.
  • Innovative strategies such as promoting "immunisation month", outreach to unvaccinated children, and efforts to have districts declared fully immunised gave fresh momentum to elimination efforts.
  • Nepal is the first country in WHO's Southeast Asia Region to introduce a robust laboratory testing algorithm for rubella surveillance.
  • The elimination of rubella is a significant achievement for Nepal, reflecting the commitment of its leadership, healthcare workers, and communities.
  • Catharina Boehme, WHO Officer-In-Charge in Southeast Asia, hailed Nepal's success as a "remarkable achievement".

Statistics:

  • 2012: Nepal introduced rubella vaccines via a nationwide immunisation programme.
  • 2016: A second dose of rubella vaccine was added to the routine schedule.
  • 2024: Over 95% coverage of at least one dose of rubella vaccine was achieved.
  • 2015: Devastating earthquake hit Nepal.
  • 2023: Another major earthquake struck Nepal during the pandemic.
  • 95%: The percentage of children in Nepal who received at least one dose of rubella vaccine by the start of 2024.

Sources:

  • World Health Organization (WHO)
  • Regional Verification Commission for Measles and Rubella elimination
  • MIL OSI United Nations News
  • MIL OSI United Nations News (http://milnz.co.nz/mil-osi-aggregation/)
  • Contify.com