Progress toward regional measles elimination--worldwide, 2000-2013

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Vaccinology

Background:

• The Global Vaccine Action Plan, endorsed in 2012, aims for measles elimination in four World Health Organization (WHO) regions by 2015.
• Member states globally have adopted measles elimination goals, with specific 2015 milestones set in 2010.

Purpose of the Study:

• To update progress on global measles control and regional elimination efforts from 2000 to 2013.
• To assess the achievement of 2015 milestones for measles vaccination coverage, incidence, and mortality.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of global and regional measles incidence and mortality data from 2000 to 2013.
• Review of progress towards established measles elimination milestones and regional verification processes.

Main Results:

• Global reported measles incidence decreased by 72% (146 to 40 per million).
• Estimated global measles deaths declined by 75% (544,200 to 145,700).
• 19 member states in the European and Western Pacific regions documented the absence of endemic measles.

Conclusions:

• Substantial progress has been made in reducing measles incidence and mortality worldwide.
• Achieving and maintaining measles elimination requires sustained investment, strengthened health systems, and addressing vaccination barriers.