• Nepal has eliminated rubella as a public health problem, states WHO.
• Immunization campaigns achieved over 95% vaccine coverage by 2024.
• The country introduced a laboratory testing algorithm for disease surveillance.
• This achievement involved collaboration between government, health workers, and communities.
• WHO aims for the elimination of measles and continued control of rubella by 2026.

The World Health Organization (WHO) announced that Nepal has successfully eliminated rubella as a public health problem. This achievement is attributed to comprehensive immunization campaigns and a robust disease-surveillance program initiated in 2012, which included the use of the rubella vaccine. By 2024, the country reported over 95 percent coverage for at least one dose of the vaccine, crucial for developing herd immunity, according to SCMP, AA, and TRT Global.

Catharina Boehme, WHO’s officer-in-charge for Southeast Asia, praised Nepal’s efforts, stating, “Nepal’s success reflects the unwavering commitment of its leadership and the persistent work of healthcare professionals and communities.” The national immunization program included four campaigns from 2012 to 2024, enhancing coverage significantly and establishing a laboratory testing algorithm for disease surveillance, according to SCMP, AA, and TRT Global.

Rubella, also known as German measles, presents mild symptoms in children but can lead to severe complications in pregnancy, including miscarriages and congenital defects. With this elimination, Nepal joins several other countries in the region that have achieved similar milestones, further reinforcing WHO’s goal to eliminate measles and control rubella by 2026, as noted in sources SCMP, AA, and TRT Global.