KATHMANDU, DECEMBER 20

The government is set to launch a vaccination campaign against measles-rubella and typhoid in the areas affected by the November 3 earthquake.

According to Ministry Spokesperson Dr Prakash Budhathoki, the campaign will be kicking off Thursday and it will cover Jajarkot and Rukum West, the districts significantly affected by the disaster and in Surkhet, Salyan, Dailekh, Kalikot and Jumla.

Vaccines against measles-rubella will be given to children from six months to 15 years of age while typhoid vaccine will be given to all from 16 to 45 years of age.

He said Jajarkot reported measles cases two years ago and the campaign aims to prevent any potential case ahead.

In addition to this, health concerns, particularly measles-rubella infection, is likely after any quake and the campaign has been planned. Children of the affected area may have been deprived of nutrition and have drunk unsafe water, finding themselves vulnerable to the infection. The campaign will run till December 30.