Nuwakot, September 20
An oral cholera vaccination campaign has been launched in Nuwakot following the recent floods and the increased risk of cholera in the affected areas.
The campaign has vaccinated more than 50,000 people so far, with a target of reaching more than 77,000 residents in the affected areas.
The campaign, led by the Public Health Office in coordination with the Epidemiology and Disease Control Division, aims to prevent the spread of cholera and other water-borne diseases amid worsening drinking water and sanitation conditions following the Bhotekoshi floods on August 26.
Dr Anju Karki, chief of the Public Health Office, stressed the need for safe water practices, personal hygiene and a clean environment alongside vaccination efforts.
The floods have displaced many people from their homes, increasing the risk of cholera, particularly in holding centres where maintaining proper sanitation is difficult. The detection of E. coli in local water sources has further raised concerns over water-borne diseases.
Recent water testing in Bidur Municipality found E. coli contamination in five of 15 local water samples following the floods.
In response, the emergency vaccination campaign is targeting everyone above the age of one. The vaccine is being provided free of charge at health facilities and holding centres.
Health officials said 40,291 people have already been vaccinated in municipalities, and efforts are underway to reach residents in remote areas who face higher risks.
The vaccination programme will continue for seven days. Health officials have urged residents to get vaccinated and seek prompt medical attention if they develop symptoms of cholera.
They have also advised residents to boil or purify drinking water, keep food preparation areas clean and maintain hygienic living conditions to prevent the spread of water-borne diseases in the aftermath of the floods.
