Kathmandu, Aug. 27 -- At least 15 people, mostly unvaccinated, have died of infection with the Japanese encephalitis (JE) virus in the past one month. The virus is the number one killer disease spread by a vector, the Culex mosquito.

Vaccination is a proven and effective method to contain the spread of the deadly disease and resulting deaths. But Nepal's health Authorities say they do not have funds for vaccination against the unvaxxed population.

However, they have been administering an unproven ayurvedic tonic, 'swarnaprashana', to children under five years of age, spending millions of rupees, out of 25 centres of all seven provinces.

A few days ago, Minister for Health and Population Pradip Paudel inaugurated the campaign to adminis...