KATHMANDU: Nepal has successfully eliminated rubella, a deadly childhood disease, marking a historic public health achievement.
The World Health Organization’s (WHO) South-East Asia Regional Verification Commission officially declared the elimination and congratulated Health and Population Minister Pradeep Paudel for the milestone.
Despite decades of efforts, rubella, a leading cause of child mortality and disability, had persisted in Nepal. However, recent progress in immunization coverage and disease surveillance enabled the WHO to certify that the country has eradicated the disease.
In a congratulatory letter, Dr Katharina Boehme, head of the WHO South-East Asia Regional Office, hailed the achievement as a significant milestone for Nepal and extended warm appreciation to Minister Paudel and the government.
Responding to the announcement, Minister Paudel expressed gratitude to health professionals, women community health volunteers, civil society, and development partners who played vital roles in achieving this goal.
“This historic success is the result of the government’s strong commitment, tireless dedication of our health workers and female health volunteers, active participation of civil society, and the consistent support of our development partners,” Paudel said.
He added that the Ministry of Health and Population remains committed to sustaining this achievement and ensuring full protection of citizens, especially children, from such diseases. The government, he said, will continue expanding vaccination services, strengthening disease surveillance systems, and effectively implementing post-elimination action plans.
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