Oral Cholera Vaccination in High Risk areas of Nuwakot and Dhading Districts of Nepal
As part of a broader strategy to enhance water, sanitation, hygiene (WASH), and health
promotion, an Oral Cholera Vaccine (OCV) campaign was conducted in selected high-risk
villages of Nuwakot and Dhading. This campaign served as a complementary measure to prevent
potential cholera outbreaks, particularly in vulnerable communities.
Campaign Implementation
The vaccination campaign was carried out in two rounds:
- First round: 8th–12th August 2015 (house-to-house visits on 11th–12th August)
- Second round: 30th August–3rd September 2015 (mop-up campaign on 2nd–3rd September)
The campaign targeted a population of 10,084 individuals aged one year and above, including internally displaced persons (IDPs) residing in camps due to the recent earthquake, as well as villages considered at high risk of cholera outbreaks. Given that OCV requires two doses for full protection, a total of 21,000 vaccine doses already available in the Government of Nepal’s stock were utilized.
Community Engagement and Data Management
The campaign was conducted with the active participation of Female Community Health Volunteers (FCHVs), who played a crucial role in mobilizing communities and facilitating vaccination at designated sites. Data collection was systematically carried out using tally sheets, daily summary sheets, and adverse events following immunization (AEFI) reporting forms at each vaccination site and associated health facilities.
Key Outcomes and Acceptance
- First-round coverage: 10,540 individuals vaccinated, achieving 100.5% coverage.
- Second-round coverage: 10,112 individuals vaccinated out of 10,540, achieving 96% coverage.
- Overall two-dose coverage: 95%, indicating strong community participation and vaccine acceptance.
Importantly, there were no reported concerns regarding the vaccine’s taste, which did not pose a barrier to acceptance within the community.
Future Implications
This successful OCV campaign lays a foundation for future cholera prevention and control strategies in Nepal. The experience gained will contribute to the documentation and publication of lessons learned, helping shape future public health interventions aimed at eliminating cholera. Download