National Inter-Religious Network Nepal (NIRN) played an important role in supporting the nationwide Measles-Rubella vaccination campaign led by the Ministry of Health and Population, Government of Nepal, which took place from 13th Falgun to 7th Chaitra, 2080. The campaign aimed to eliminate measles and rubella from Nepal by 2026 and successfully targeted around 5.7 million children aged 9 months to 15 years across 24 high-risk districts, including 21 districts from the Terai region and 3 districts from the Kathmandu Valley. In addition, children aged 9 months to under 5 years were vaccinated in 51 out of 53 districts.
During the campaign, NIRN mobilized faith leaders from its networks, including CHAT groups, Palika-level interfaith committees, and district interfaith committees, especially in Madhesh and Sudurpaschim Provinces. These faith leaders actively engaged with their communities to raise awareness, promote accurate information about the vaccine, and encourage families to get their children vaccinated. By using trusted voices within communities, NIRN helped build confidence in the vaccination process and contributed to the campaign’s outreach and success. This effort reflects the powerful role that faith-based networks can play in advancing public health and protecting children’s lives.