World Health Organisation (WHO) new mortality estimates released on 6 February 2014 shows that the global annual measles mortality reached historic low with vaccination expanding steadily. The annual measles deaths dropped 78 percent to 122000 of lives in 2012 from 562000 lives in 2000 globally. As part of the Measles and Rubella Initiative, in 2012, the second dose of global routine measles immunisation coverage rose to 84 percent and about 145 million children were vaccinated against measles. Despite the impressive progress towards measles elimination, WHO warned that measles continued to be a global threat.
The African, Eastern Mediterranean and European regions are not likely to meet their measles elimination targets on time. Over 10000 reported cases occurred in the Democratic Republic of Congo, India, Indonesia, Ukraine and Somalia.
The Region of the Americas has achieved measles elimination and continues to maintain this status while the Western Pacific region is approaching its target.
The Region of the Americas has achieved measles elimination and continues to maintain this status while the Western Pacific region is approaching its target.
About the Measles & Rubella Initiative
The Measles & Rubella Initiative launched in 2001, is a global partnership led by the American Red Cross, United Nations Foundation, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), UNICEF and WHO.
It is committed to ensuring that no child dies from measles or is born with congenital rubella syndrome and to reduce the measles deaths by 95 percent till 2015.
Who: World Health Organisation
Where: Geneva
When: 6 February 2014
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