Kathmandu, August 5
The World Health Organisation says six South-East Asian countries among Nepal have controlled rubella and congenital rubella syndrome, for the first time in the region.
Rubella control is achieved when a country reduces the number of rubella cases by 95% as compared to the number of rubella cases in 2008.
The global health agency informs in a statement that Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Timor-Leste are the first six countries in the WHO South-East Asia Region to control rubella and congenital rubella syndrome.
The achievement was made two years ahead of the target year 2020, according to the United Nations body.
“These achievements demonstrate the commitment and resolve of countries in the Region towards health of women and children, and for universal health coverage,” said Dr Poonam Khetrapal Singh, Regional Director WHO South-East Asia.
Meanwhile, two countries of WHO South-East Asia Region, DPR Korea and Timor-Leste, have been verified for eliminating measles, the WHO adds.
The Regional Verification Commission, an independent body of experts that met in Delhi from 31 July to 2 August, that both DPR Korea and Timor-Leste have interrupted transmission of indigenous measles for more than three years based on an in-depth review of the data and reports provided by national verification committees, according to the agency.
