South Asian News Network

The Nepali government has initiated a vaccination program against measles and rubella, aimed at 5.7 million children aged nine months to fifteen years. The program will run until March 7, targeting children in 24 districts, 21 severely contaminated districts, and 51 districts. The campaign will take place in schools and vaccination centers from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dr. Abhiyan Gautam, Head of Health Services Department, Child Health and Immunization Branch, announced that 21 lakh children aged nine months to five years and 36 lakh children aged five to 15 years will be immunized. The campaign will include 48,798 immunization centers, 49,937 health personnel, and 59,906 volunteers. The vaccine is regarded as safe and effective, with 85% of youngsters developing the ability to resist measles and rubella. An emergency treatment team has been constituted at the district level for children who have issues following vaccinations. The initiative aims to eradicate measles and rubella by 2026.