The Ministry of Health and Population (MoHP), with technical support from WHO Nepal, successfully conducted a comprehensive Joint External EPI–VPD Surveillance Review from 24–30 April 2026. This milestone exercise—the first of its kind since 2010—was undertaken following recommendations from the WHO South-East Asia Regional Immunization Technical Advisory Group (SEAR ITAG) and marks a significant step in strengthening Nepal’s Immunization Program.
The primary objective of the review was to assess the performance of Nepal’s immunization system and evaluate vaccine-preventable disease (VPD) surveillance. Key areas of focus included: measuring progress toward measles elimination, overseeing the transition of essential VPD surveillance functions under the Polio Transition Plan, and reinforcing priority VPD-specific initiatives. The review also aimed to generate evidence-based recommendations to enhance surveillance, immunization coverage, outbreak response, and disease-specific strategies.
A total of 60 reviewers participated, including 14 international experts from WHO headquarters and regional offices, WHO India, UNICEF, IFRC, Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Health, members of the Regional Verification Committee for Measles-Rubella Elimination, and Nepal’s National VPD Expert Committee. Together with provincial health authorities, the team assessed 14 districts across all seven provinces-selecting one high-performing and one low-performing district per province. Engagements with health providers, caretakers, and municipal health authorities culminated in provincial debriefings and a national debriefing meeting on 30 April 2026 with MoHP, provincial ministries, program divisions, and partners.
The review highlighted Nepal’s strong government commitment to immunization, underpinned by the Immunization Act (2016), and reinforced by robust service delivery platforms, partner collaboration, and community engagement. Nepal has sustained its polio-free status, achieved rubella elimination, revalidated maternal and neonatal tetanus elimination, introduced new vaccines, and significantly reduced the number of zero-dose children—all supported by high surveillance sensitivity and strong WHO–UNICEF coverage estimates.
Despite these achievements, several challenges were identified:
- Transition risks due to reduced funding support
- Strategic risks from a changing funding landscape
- Continued reliance on partner-supported systems
- Complexity arising from epidemiological shifts
- Challenges with private sector integration
- Limited accountability and a dedicated VPD surveillance/immunization workforce
To safeguard Nepal’s health gains and accelerate progress, the review outlined five strategic recommendations:
- Formalize local level roles and ensure accountable focal points at municipal level
- Secure dedicated financing to protect critical surveillance functions
- Advance polio transition implementation with active oversight
- Modernize service delivery and logistics with stronger data use
- Reinforce demand generation and safeguard polio-free and rubella elimination gains through laboratory integration and tailored strategies
This Joint External Review provides Nepal with a vital blueprint to accelerate its Immunization Program and health goals—ensuring every child remains protected against vaccine-preventable diseases and sustaining progress in the face of evolving challenges.
Dear Sir/Madam,
Greetings.
I hope this message finds you well.
I would be grateful if you could kindly share the complete documentation and relevant reports related to the Joint External EPI-VPD Surveillance Review conducted in Nepal. Access to these materials would greatly support our learning and reference on this important subject.
Thank you very much for your time and assistance. I look forward to your positive response.
With kind regards,
Dr. Hassibullah Kayhan, MD, MPH
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