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The unfinished measles immunization agenda
Peter Strebel1, Stephen Cochi, Mark Grabowsky
1Global Immunization Division, National Immunization Program, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia 30333, USA. pms4@cdc.gov
The Journal of Infectious Diseases
|May 2, 2003
Summary
Global measles vaccination coverage remains around 80%, yet measles is a leading cause of death in young children. Aggressive control strategies have significantly reduced measles cases in several regions, highlighting the need to complete immunization efforts.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Immunization Programs
Background:
- Measles remains a significant cause of mortality in children under five globally, despite sustained vaccination coverage of approximately 80%.
- The United Nations set a goal in 2002 to halve measles deaths by 2005.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of measles control and elimination strategies on global measles burden.
- To emphasize the importance of completing unfinished immunization agendas.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of global measles vaccination coverage trends.
- Review of measles case data from various World Health Organization (WHO) regions.
- Assessment of the effectiveness of measles control and elimination strategies.
Main Results:
- Countries implementing aggressive measles control strategies have shown significant reductions in cases.
- The Americas reported a record low of 537 confirmed measles cases in 2001.
- Progress in measles control is evident in the WHO Western Pacific Region, parts of Africa, and selected European, Eastern Mediterranean, and Southeast Asian countries.
Conclusions:
- Aggressive measles control strategies are effective in reducing disease burden.
- Despite progress, the ongoing measles mortality necessitates the completion of global immunization efforts.
- Safe and effective strategies exist to further reduce measles mortality and achieve elimination goals.