Progress Toward Measles Elimination - South-East Asia Region, 2003-2020

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Vaccinology

Background:

• Member states of the World Health Organization (WHO) South-East Asia Region (SEAR) aimed for measles and rubella elimination by 2020, later revised to 2023.
• Key strategies include high vaccination coverage (≥95% for 2 doses), robust surveillance, laboratory capacity, outbreak response, and inter-initiative collaboration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To update on the progress of measles elimination in SEAR from 2003 to 2020.
• To assess the impact of vaccination strategies on measles incidence and mortality.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of routine immunization coverage data for measles-containing vaccine first dose (MCV1) and second dose (MCV2).
• Review of supplementary immunization activities (SIAs) and reported measles incidence and mortality data.
• Assessment of progress towards achieving elimination targets and strategic goals.

Main Results:

• MCV1 coverage increased from 65% to 88%, and MCV2 coverage rose from 6% to 80% between 2003-2020.
• Approximately 938 million individuals were vaccinated during SIAs, leading to a 92% decline in measles incidence and a 97% decrease in estimated deaths.
• Five countries achieved verified measles elimination by 2020, with an estimated 9.3 million measles deaths averted.

Conclusions:

• Significant advancements have been made in measles and rubella control and elimination within SEAR.
• Sustained and intensified efforts are crucial to meet the 2023 elimination targets, focusing on routine immunization, SIAs, and surveillance strengthening.