Photo Credit: Paresh Kumar
Clear Cut Health Desk
New Delhi, UPDATED: Aug 18, 2025 04:52 IST
According to WHO’s 2023 Global Rubella Report, Nepal has officially eliminated rubella, becoming the second country in South-East Asia after the Maldives to achieve this milestone. This development, announced on August 18, 2025, marks a critical step in the global fight against rubella and congenital rubella syndrome (CRS).
Rubella, often called German measles, is generally mild in children and adults. However, infection during pregnancy can lead to severe birth defects, including heart disorders, blindness, and intellectual disabilities in newborns.
Globally, over 33% of countries have successfully eliminated rubella, but large gaps remain. According to WHO, more than 100,000 babies are born annually with CRS worldwide. In India, before the introduction of the measles-rubella (MR) vaccine, an estimated 40,000 children were affected by CRS every year (Source: MoHFW, Govt. of India).
India launched a massive MR vaccination campaign in 2017, reaching more than 324 million children. Since then, rubella incidence has dropped sharply, though India is still working toward complete elimination by 2026.
Nepal’s achievement reflects strong immunization programs and routine vaccination coverage exceeding 95% for MR vaccines. The WHO credited community health workers and women’s groups who bridged last-mile delivery in rural areas.
The regional target for rubella elimination in the WHO South-East Asia Region is 2023–2030, and Nepal’s success demonstrates that this ambitious goal is within reach. As WHO SEARO Regional Director Dr. Saima Wazed noted: “This victory underscores the power of vaccines and collaborative health systems in protecting future generations.”
