Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 8, 2026
Fabrication of Pulsatile Polymeric Microparticles Encapsulating Rabies Antigen
Published on: May 12, 2023
Measles elimination: progress, challenges and implications for rubella control
Felicity T Cutts1, Justin Lessler, Charlotte J E Metcalf
1London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. Keppel St, London WC1E 7HT, UK. felicity.cutts@lshtm.ac.uk
Abstract:
Measles and rubella are major vaccine-preventable causes of child mortality and disability. They have been eliminated from the Americas and some other regions have also come close to elimination. In this paper, we review regional progress toward measles and rubella control/elimination goals, describe the recent epidemiology of these infections and discuss challenges to achieving the goals. Globally, measles vaccination is estimated to prevent nearly 2 million deaths each year. Despite this remarkable progress, large measles outbreaks have occurred in recent years, often involving older persons who were not vaccinated in earlier years. Such an occurrence would be particularly damaging for rubella control programmes as it could lead to peaks in congenital rubella syndrome. Challenges to achieving and sustaining high vaccination coverage include civil conflict, weak health systems, geographic, cultural and economic barriers to reaching certain population groups and inadequate monitoring and use of data for action. Countries and regions aiming to eliminate measles and control rubella urgently need to improve the implementation and monitoring of both routine and mass vaccination campaign strategies.
Insights
Measles and rubella vaccination efforts have saved millions of lives, but outbreaks persist due to gaps in coverage. Strengthening vaccination strategies is crucial for disease elimination.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Vaccinology
Background:
- Measles and rubella are significant vaccine-preventable diseases causing child mortality and disability.
- Regional progress towards elimination has been made, notably in the Americas.
- Global measles vaccination prevents an estimated 2 million deaths annually.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review regional progress in measles and rubella control and elimination.
- To describe the recent epidemiology of these infections.
- To discuss challenges hindering the achievement of elimination goals.
Main Methods:
- Review of regional progress and epidemiological data.
- Analysis of factors affecting vaccination coverage.
- Discussion of challenges and strategies for improvement.
Main Results:
- Despite progress, large measles outbreaks have occurred, affecting unvaccinated older populations.
- These outbreaks pose a risk to rubella control and congenital rubella syndrome prevention.
- Challenges include conflict, weak health systems, access barriers, and data utilization.
Conclusions:
- Achieving and sustaining high vaccination coverage is essential for measles and rubella elimination.
- Improved implementation and monitoring of routine and campaign vaccination strategies are urgently needed.
- Addressing systemic barriers is critical for global disease control.
Related Concept Videos
01:51Vaccinations
01:29Microorganisms in Medicine and Therapeutics
01:23Investigation of Disease Outbreaks
01:28Infectious Diseases and Their Occurrence
01:25Transmission-based Precautions II: Airborne and Protective Environment
Airborne precautions:
Use airborne precautions when treating patients known or suspected to have diseases that spread through the air—for example, tuberculosis or measles. These organisms are present in smaller droplets expelled by an infected person and...
01:25Clinical Significance of Antibiotic Resistance