Immunisation programme of Nepal: an update

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Immunization Programs

Background:

• Nepal's Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) launched in 1978/79, aiming for nationwide coverage.
• Program expansion to all 75 districts occurred within a decade.
• Structural challenges led to delayed national immunization coverage, reaching approximately 80% by 2000.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of Nepal's Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) on vaccine-preventable diseases.
• To identify successes and challenges in achieving national immunization coverage.
• To assess the prevalence of specific vaccine-preventable diseases despite program implementation.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of national immunization program data and disease surveillance records in Nepal.
• Review of program implementation milestones and coverage rates over time.
• Assessment of trends in specific vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs).

Main Results:

• Significant reductions observed in neonatal tetanus, diphtheria, and poliomyelitis by 2004.
• National immunization coverage reached approximately 80% by the year 2000.
• Measles and tuberculosis remain prevalent despite overall program progress.

Conclusions:

• Nepal's EPI has successfully reduced the incidence of several key vaccine-preventable diseases.
• Sustained efforts are needed to address persistent challenges and improve coverage for diseases like measles and tuberculosis.
• Programmatic and structural improvements are crucial for achieving universal immunization goals.