Kathmandu, July 16 -- Nepal witnessed a massive measles outbreak in 2022 and 2023. But on Monday, the Ministry of Health and Population declared all 77 districts of the country 'fully immunised and sustained' with much fanfare. Experts on child health and immunisation have expressed serious doubts about its veracity.

'Fully immunised and sustained' means all children under 15 months of age in the country have been administered all routine vaccines, which is impossible in such a short period, according to them.

Experts warn that the government data lacks independent verification and is contradicted by recurring outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases. They also caution that achieving full immunisation status is a continuous challenge d...