WHO Supports Immunization Programme Continuity in Nepal's Flood-affected Areas

Beyond the immediate destruction of homes and roads, the flash floods that swept through Rasuwa, Nuwakot and Dhading districts on 26 August 2026, also damaged critical local health infrastructure, disrupted routine vaccine services and left the affected families more vulnerable to vaccine-preventable disease outbreaks.

In response to the heightened risks facing the displaced population, the Government of Nepal, with technical support from WHO and partners, has resumed routine immunization services, expanded preventive vaccination and enhanced disease surveillance. 

As damages to the drinking water and sanitation structures increased the risk of waterborne diseases, an oral cholera vaccine (OCV) campaign was launched in Rasuwa and Nuwakot on 10 September. As of 15 September 2026, over 50 000 people aged one and above have received OCV.

Along with OCV, Tetanus Toxoid-containing vaccines are also being provided to health workers, frontline responders and rescue workers to protect them from tetanus in high-risk environments.

To drive these efforts, WHO has provided technical guidance, and supported campaign microplanning and coordination. Three Surveillance and Immunization Medical Officers (SIMOs) have also been deployed in Rasuwa and Nuwakot to support routine immunization monitoring, campaign preparedness and implementation, vaccine safety surveillance, active case findings, and investigation of suspected vaccine-preventable disease (VPD) cases. 

Disease surveillance has also been strengthened across all three affected districts. Real-time telephonic disease surveillance has been initiated in 12 municipalities across the three districts. WHO has also provided 24 VPD sample collection kits and 100 field-level banners to strengthen identification and reporting of suspected cases and 50 Adverse Event Following Immunization (AEFI) kits for use during the routine immunization and vaccination campaigns. Preparations are also underway for measles-rubella (MR) vaccination campaign targeting children aged six months to 15 years in Rasuwa and Nuwakot districts, with a particular focus on children living in temporary settlements and holding centres.

“Disruptions to routine health services increase the risk of vaccine-preventable disease outbreaks, making preventive vaccination a critical part of the emergency response,” said Dr Allison Gocotano, Acting WHO Representative to Nepal.

“As communities recover, WHO will continue to work with the Government of Nepal and partners to maintain essential health services, support routine immunization and supplementary immunization activities, strengthen surveillance and outbreak preparedness and response.”

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Source: WHO Nepal