Minister Paudel prides on Nepal declared rubella-free country

 Kathmandu, Aug 25: Nepal has been officially declared free from rubella, setting a milestone in the public health sector. 

Representatives of the World Health Organisation and the UNICEF today handed over a certificate of the eradication of rubella to Minister for Health and Population, Pradip Paudel, amidst a news conference organised by the Ministry. 

With this accomplishment, Nepal has been the WHO's sixth member nation in the South East Asia eliminating the rubella. It is said Nepal achieved this on August 18, 2025. 

On the occasion, the Minister said such declaration is a matter of pride for the entire Nepali citizens. He called on all for continued efforts for the sustainability of this achievement and to eliminate other preventable pediatric diseases to ensure healthy future of Nepali children.  

"This is the result of untiring efforts of our health professionals, women community health volunteers and the citizens. Nepal has been the sixth nation in the South-East Asia to secure this success," the Minister said. 

Secretary at the Health Ministry, Dr Bikash Devkota, described the rubella elimination a milestone of Nepal government in 2025. Time has come for concerted efforts for eradication of measles as well, he reminded.

"Measles is a highly contagious disease. If we could eradicate it with a robust monitoring system, it will set an example for the eradication of other infectious diseases."

Director at Family Welfare Division in the Ministry, Dr Bibek Kumar Lal, said this accomplishment was possible following the efforts for decades. Highlighting the major contribution of a vaccination programmes for the eradication of rubella, he said the government accorded a top priority to the vaccination drive.  

WHO representative for Nepal, Dr Rajesh Sambhajirao Pandav, congratulated the Government of Nepal and the development partners for such achievement, citing it a moment of pride and a historic contribution to the world health sector. 

Vaccination drive, robust monitoring system and the rapid response to the epidemic were there playing the roles for the achievement, he observed. (RSS)