archiveSeptember 23, 20261 min read

Thailand becomes seventh country in WHO South-East Asia Region to eliminate rubella

Source image from Thailand verified for eliminating rubella as a public health problem. who.int.Full-size image

Thailand has been verified for eliminating rubella as a public health problem, the World Health Organization announced after a field visit in July 2026. The Regional Verification Commission for Measles and Rubella Elimination reviewed surveillance data, immunization coverage figures, molecular epidemiology and outbreak response records before recommending the designation. Thailand joins Bhutan, DPR Korea, Maldives, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Timor-Leste on that list. "Thailand has shown that rubella elimination is achievable when strong political commitment, resilient immunization services, high-quality surveillance and community trust come together. This achievement protects future generations from congenital rubella syndrome and brings the Region closer to eliminating both measles and rubella," said Dr Nilesh Buddha, Officer-in-Charge, WHO South-East Asia Region.

Rubella infection during pregnancy can cause miscarriage, stillbirth or congenital rubella syndrome, a condition tied to lifelong birth defects. Verification means endemic transmission has been halted, removing that risk for pregnant women and newborns in Thailand. Four countries in the region, Bhutan, DPR Korea, Maldives and Timor-Leste, have now eliminated both measles and rubella.

Source: Thailand verified for eliminating rubella as a public health problem (who.int).

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Thailand becomes seventh country in WHO South-East Asia Region to eliminate rubella

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