Kathmandu, Aug. 11 -- After missing the 2019 deadline to eliminate measles and rubella, the government says it is left with no option than to extend the timeframe by another four-five years, as efforts to contain the two diseases are not yielding desired results.

"We have been working to extend the deadline for elimination of measles and rubella," said Dr Jhalak Sharma, chief of immunisation section at the Family Welfare Division of the Department of Health Services. "We have been discussing the new deadline with all concerned stakeholders, including the World Health Organization, UNICEF and others."

Measles is a contagious viral disease that can be entirely prevented with a two-dose vaccine, first administered at nine months of age and...