Nationwide Immunization Drive Set To Begin On February 25: Targeting Measles And Rubella Threats

The government is set to initiate a nationwide immunization drive from February 25 to March 20 due to the heightened risk of measles and rubella infections. Dr. Prakash Budhathoki, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Health and Population, revealed that the vaccination program will target all children under the age of 15.

Specifically, children ranging from nine months to under 15 years in 24 districts—comprising 21 districts bordering India and three within the Kathmandu Valley—will be included in the immunization efforts. Additionally, children aged nine months to five years in the remaining 51 districts are also slated to participate in the campaign.

Dr. Budhathoki noted that the immunization campaign had already been initiated in Jajarkot and Rukum West districts following the November 2023 earthquake in Jajarkot. Dr. Abhiyan Gautam, Chief of the Child Health and Immunization Section, highlighted that the vaccination drive would extend to children who missed regular vaccines. All preparations for the campaign, including training for health workers across all seven provinces, have been completed.

Dr. Gautam disclosed that 6.330 million vaccine doses have been procured for the campaign, with a target of immunizing approximately 5.7 million children against measles and rubella. The government's overarching objective is to eradicate measles and rubella by 2026, especially considering the reported outbreaks in 19 districts last year.