Progress Toward Regional Measles Elimination - Worldwide, 2000-2015

Area of Science:

• Global Health
• Vaccinology
• Epidemiology

Background:

• United Nations Millennium Development Goal 4 aimed to reduce child mortality by 2015, using measles vaccination coverage as an indicator.
• World Health Assembly (WHA) set 2015 measles control milestones: high national/district measles-containing vaccine (MCV1) coverage, reduced incidence, and decreased mortality.
• The Global Vaccine Action Plan aimed for measles elimination in four WHO regions by 2015, with countries adopting elimination goals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report on progress toward global measles control milestones and regional elimination goals from 2000 to 2015.
• To assess the effectiveness of vaccination strategies and surveillance systems in achieving measles control targets.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of global reported measles incidence and estimated deaths from 2000 to 2015.
• Evaluation of national and district-level measles-containing vaccine (MCV1) coverage rates.
• Assessment of progress against World Health Assembly (WHA) measles control milestones and elimination goals.

Main Results:

• Annual reported measles incidence decreased by 75% (from 146 to 36 cases per million).
• Annual estimated measles deaths decreased by 79% (from 651,600 to 134,200).
• Despite significant reductions, none of the 2015 measles control milestones or elimination goals were achieved.

Conclusions:

• Measles control efforts have shown substantial progress but failed to meet 2015 targets.
• Urgent political commitment, increased vaccination coverage, and strengthened surveillance are crucial for achieving measles elimination.
• Sustained immunization funding and focus are necessary, especially post-polio eradication.