Progress Toward Rubella Elimination — World Health Organization South-East Asia Region, 2013–2021

Abstract

What is already known about this topic? During 2013, coverage with the first dose of rubella-containing vaccine (RCV1) in the World Health Organization South-East Asia Region was 12%, and only five countries in the region had introduced RCV into their routine immunization programs. What is added by this report? By 2021, all 11 SEAR countries had introduced RCV1, and estimated regional RCV1 coverage increased from 12% to 86%; rubella incidence declined by 80%. Maldives and Sri Lanka achieved rubella elimination; Bhutan, North Korea, and Timor-Leste have halted endemic transmission of rubella virus for 36 months. What are the implications for public health practice? SEAR has made substantial progress toward rubella elimination. To achieve regional rubella elimination by 2023, optimal and accelerated measures to implement all elimination strategies are needed.