Rapid Response Contains Measles Outbreak in Sarlahi

^{_{Photo: Advocacy meeting with local stakeholders on Measles Rubella Vaccination and reporting of suspected measles cases, Malangwa Municipality. Credit: WHO/Dr Suresh Shukla}}

The measles outbreak in Malangwa Municipality, Sarlahi District, in January 2026 demonstrated how WHO Nepal’s technical support enabled the Ministry of Health and Population (MoHP) to act swiftly and decisively.

Within 72 hours of the first suspected case reported on 6 January, WHO facilitated laboratory confirmation at the National Public Health Laboratory (NPHL) and promptly informed local authorities.

Joint household visits and rapid case searches were initiated by 12 January sensitizing community and local health facilities. On 20 January, additional suspected cases were detected.

WHO immediately supported municipal health officers in conducting field investigations, collecting appropriate measles samples, and provided vitamin A supplementation.

By 22 January, NPHL’s laboratory report confirmed measles outbreak, and WHO’s technical guidance ensured timely outbreak declaration by Malangwa Municipality.

The very next day, WHO assisted MoHP in convening the National Immunization Advisory Committee (NIAC) meeting, which approved outbreak response immunization (ORI) in six priority wards of Malangwa Municipality.

From 26–31 January, WHO supported MoHP and the National Immunization Programme in planning and implementing measles outbreak response immunization (ORI) across six identified wards of Malangwa Municipality of Sarlahi district.

The campaign achieved 100% administrative coverage, vaccinating over 10,032 children (133% of target) age 6 months to under 15 years.

WHO supported local health authorities to identify and to mobilize Independent Field Monitors from local communities ensuring easy access for conducting rapid convenience monitoring, confirming coverage above 95% and identifying missed children for follow up.

Community engagement with teachers, religious leaders, and Female Community Health Volunteers (FCHV) reinforced vaccination uptake and timely reporting.

Recognizing the risk of spreading to adjoining areas, WHO further supported MoHP in developing and submitting a proposal to the Measles and Rubella Partnership for expanded ORI in neighboring municipalities of Malangwa municipality, Sarlahi district.

This coordinated response highlights how WHO’s technical assistance strengthened measles surveillance, enabled rapid outbreak declaration, mobilized field monitors, facilitated ORI implementation, and supported proposals development for extended protection—ensuring timely action to safeguard vulnerable children.

_{^{Author: Pasang Rai, National Professional Officer, VPD Surveillance, WHO}}

_{^{Courtesy: https://www.technet-21.org/en/community/blogs-newsletters/who-supported-rapid-response-contains-measles-outbreak-in-sarlahi-nepal-1}}