Progress Toward Measles Elimination - World Health Organization Eastern Mediterranean Region, 2019-2022

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Vaccinology

Background:

• The World Health Organization Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) committed to measles elimination by 2020.
• Despite progress, most EMR countries have not yet eliminated measles.
• This report details EMR measles elimination progress from 2019-2022.

Purpose of the Study:

• To update the status of measles elimination in the EMR.
• To analyze vaccination coverage and measles incidence trends.
• To identify challenges and recommend strategies for achieving measles elimination.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of regional measles-containing vaccine (MCV) coverage estimates.
• Review of national and subnational supplementary immunization activities.
• Assessment of reported confirmed measles incidence and surveillance indicators.

Main Results:

• Estimated MCV coverage remained suboptimal (MCV1: 82%-83%, MCV2: 76%-78%) during 2019-2022.
• Measles incidence decreased in 2020 but surged by 68% to 50.0 cases per million in 2022.
• Surveillance indicators declined in 50% of EMR countries; four countries achieved elimination.

Conclusions:

• The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted immunization services and surveillance, hindering measles elimination.
• Immunity gaps and increased measles incidence in 2022 highlight ongoing challenges.
• Sustained efforts in vaccination coverage and high-quality surveillance are crucial for measles elimination in the EMR.