Nepal Verified for Rubella Elimination: WHO South-East Asia Region Marks
Major Public Health Milestone.
Kathmandu/New
Delhi: Nepal has been
officially verified as having eliminated rubella, becoming the sixth country in
the WHO South-East Asia Region to achieve this public health milestone. The
announcement was made at the 10th meeting of the Regional Verification
Commission for Measles & Rubella Elimination (22–24 July 2025).
Rubella, or German measles, is generally
mild but can cause serious complications in pregnancy, including miscarriage,
stillbirth, and lifelong congenital defects. Nepal’s elimination follows
sustained government leadership, strong community participation, and robust
immunization and surveillance systems.
Key measures included the nationwide
introduction of the rubella vaccine in 2012, addition of a second dose to the
routine schedule in 2016, and high-coverage campaigns in 2012, 2016, 2020, and
2024. By 2024, Nepal had achieved over 95% vaccine coverage, surpassing herd
immunity thresholds. Surveillance systems were also strengthened, with Nepal
becoming the first country in the region to adopt a robust laboratory testing
algorithm for rubella cases.
The WHO Regional Commission commended
Nepal’s achievement while urging accelerated action across Member States to
meet the 2026 target for measles and rubella elimination, despite global
challenges. Nepal will now prepare a sustainability plan to maintain its
elimination status.
According to TechSci
Research, Nepal’s
verification as rubella-free marks a critical advancement for the healthcare
industry, demonstrating the effectiveness of large-scale immunization programs,
strong disease surveillance, and coordinated public health action. The
achievement not only safeguards future generations from congenital rubella
syndrome and its lifelong complications but also reduces long-term healthcare
costs associated with managing preventable disabilities. It reinforces the
importance of resilient health systems capable of sustaining high vaccine
coverage even during emergencies, serving as a model for other countries. Going
forward, this milestone will encourage greater investment in immunization
infrastructure, laboratory testing, and cross-border collaboration, strengthening
regional preparedness against vaccine-preventable diseases. Moreover, the
progress accelerates momentum toward the WHO South-East Asia Region’s 2026
measles and rubella elimination goal, creating a ripple effect that will
enhance maternal and child health outcomes, improve public trust in
immunization, and bolster the overall quality and sustainability of healthcare
systems.