Experts blame Nepal measles spread on immunisation gap
Summary
Nine districts in Nepal have reported measles outbreaks over the past five months due to immunisation gaps, affecting hundreds of children and youths, with health officials planning ring vaccination drives amid vaccine shortages.
Key Points
- Nine districts in Nepal, including Jajarkot and Surkhet, have reported measles outbreaks in the last five months due to immunisation gaps.
- Over 300 children and youths have been infected with the measles virus, with some areas lacking ring vaccination due to vaccine shortages.
- Health officials plan to launch ring vaccination campaigns in affected districts using vaccine doses provided by the Measles & Rubella Partnership.
- Experts emphasize the need for buffer vaccine stocks, dedicated emergency budgets, and focus on marginalised communities to eliminate measles by 2026.
