New Delhi, Aug. 19 -- Summary Rubella eliminated: WHO declares Nepal free of rubella as a public health problem (2025).

Immunisation coverage: Over 95% of children received at least one dose of rubella vaccine by 2024.

Vaccine introduction: First nationwide campaign in 2012, targeting children aged 9 months to 15 years; second dose added in 2016.

Challenges faced: Nepal sustained high coverage despite the 2015 and 2023 earthquakes and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Global burden: Around 100,000 infants are born each year worldwide with congenital rubella syndrome.

Recent cases: In 2022, rubella was reported in 78 countries, with 17,865 cases.

Zero-dose children: In 2024, 14.3 million children worldwide missed out on all vaccinations.

The W...