The Interruption of Administering Routine Measles Vaccine in Nepal: A Point of Contention During and Post the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic?

  • Neela Sunuwar Nidan Hospital Limited at High Care Unit and Covid Care Unit, Lalitpur, Nepal
  • Santosh Katuwal Nidan Hospital Limitedat Intensive Care unit and Covid Care Unit, Lalitpur, Nepal
  • Sudeep Yadav University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky
  • Anu Radha Twayana Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences Kathmandu, Nepal
  • Swotantra Gautam BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan, Nepal,
  • Pawan Upadhyaya BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan, Nepal
  • Zouina Sarfraz LarkinCommunity Hospital, USA
Keywords: Coronavirus disease 2019, Infectious disease, Measles, Nepal, Southeast Asia region, Vaccine, World HealthOrganization

Abstract

The interruption of administering routine measles vaccinations has put a significant strain on Nepal’s already overburdened
health system. Over five significant measles outbreaks have occurred in Nepal since the country’s nationwide lockdown began,
including in Kathmandu, the Capital. The interruption of immunization programs, as well as a drop in the number of confirmed
cases, may have a devastating effect in the coming days, placing the target of eliminating measles by 2023 in jeopardy. In this
review, we weigh the long-term impact on public health and consequences of disrupting the national immunization program
against staying at home to flatten the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) surge curve. We speculate that during and post
the COVID-19 pandemic; the measles endemic is imminent, particularly due to socioeconomic gaps and unhygienic measures.

Author Biographies

Neela Sunuwar, Nidan Hospital Limited at High Care Unit and Covid Care Unit, Lalitpur, Nepal

Medical Officer

Santosh Katuwal, Nidan Hospital Limitedat Intensive Care unit and Covid Care Unit, Lalitpur, Nepal

Medical Officer 

Sudeep Yadav, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky

Division of Infectious Diseases

Pawan Upadhyaya, BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan, Nepal

Department of Community Medicine

Zouina Sarfraz, LarkinCommunity Hospital, USA

Research and Academic Affairs

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Published
2021-10-01
Section
Original Articles