Immunisation programme of Nepal: an update.

Abstract

Nepal initiated Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) in the fiscal year 1978/79. By the next decade the programme was expanded to all the 75 districts of the country. However, due to various structural changes, the programme lagged behind and the national coverage of immunisation to around 80% could be reached by the year 2000 only. By 2004, some Vaccine Preventable Diseases (VPD), namely neonatal tetanus, diphtheria and poliomyelitis are reported to be reduced drastically. However, despite good coverage, measles and tuberculosis still remain prevalent.