The World Health Organization today announced Nepal has eliminated rubella as a public health problem, a remarkable achievement for a country making concerted efforts to protect its people from vaccine preventable diseases.
Rubella, or German measles, is a highly contagious viral infection. It is particularly serious for pregnant women as infection can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, or a range of lifelong and debilitating birth defects. But rubella is preventable with safe and cost-effective vaccines.
“Nepal’s success reflects the unwavering commitment of its leadership, persistent efforts of the health care workers and volunteers, and unstinting support of engaged and informed communities, for a healthy start for babies and a future free of rubella disease,” said Dr Catharina Boehme, Officer-In-Charge WHO South-East Asia, while endorsing the recommendation of the Regional Verification Commission for Measles and Rubella elimination in South-East Asia Region (SEA-RVC) for Nepal to be verified for eliminating rubella.
Read more at WHO SEARO