Why in news?
On 18 August 2025 the World Health Organisation declared Nepal free of rubella. It became the first country in the WHO South‑East Asia Region to achieve this milestone, underscoring the success of nationwide vaccination campaigns.
About rubella
Rubella, sometimes called German measles, is a contagious viral disease spread through respiratory droplets. In adults it usually causes a mild fever and rash, but infection during pregnancy can lead to miscarriage or congenital rubella syndrome, causing heart defects, deafness or developmental delays in babies.
Prevention and treatment
- There is no specific antiviral treatment; care focuses on relieving symptoms.
- Prevention relies on vaccination. The measles–rubella (MR) vaccine is administered in childhood and provides long‑term protection.
India’s status
India still reports sporadic rubella cases. The nationwide MR vaccination campaign launched in 2017 aims to eliminate measles and rubella by 2023–24 by vaccinating children aged nine months to 15 years. Continued immunisation and surveillance are crucial for India to follow Nepal’s example.
