Progress and challenges for measles elimination by 2012 in the Western Pacific Region

The 37 countries and areas of the World Health Organization (WHO) Western Pacific Region have targeted measles for elimination by 2012.

We reviewed routine and supplementary immunization coverage based on 2010 WHO/United Nation's Children's Fund (UNICEF) estimates and Joint Reporting Forms and epidemiologic and laboratory data submitted by the countries and areas.

In 2009, 21 of 37 countries and areas had ≥90% coverage with a first dose of measles vaccine; 32 countries and areas provided 2 routine doses of measles vaccine with 94% weighted average coverage among those reporting. From 1996 to 2009, 235 million persons received measles vaccine during 94 immunization campaigns in 30 countries and areas. As of 2009, 2.8 suspected cases per 100,000 population were discarded as nonmeasles; however, only 43% of second level administrative units reported at least 1 discarded case per 100,000. Adequate specimen collection rate was 71%. Measles incidence was 34 per million population in 2009, a 58% decrease compared with 2008 and the lowest ever reported. As many as 25 countries and areas already may have eliminated measles.

Achieving the 2012 measles elimination goal is feasible provided political and financial commitments are increased at every level to further improve routine and supplementary immunization activity (SIA) coverage and surveillance in every district.