[afro-nets] Major Success in Slashing Worldwide Measles Deaths

[Claudio Schuftan <claudio@hcmc.netnam.vn>]

UN Reports Major Success in Slashing Worldwide Measles Deaths
Almost in Half
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from Vern Weitzel <vern.weitzel@undp.org>

New York, Mar 10 2006 11:00AM

An ambitious worldwide immunization drive has cut measles deaths
by nearly half, with the largest reduction occurring in sub-
Saharan Africa, the region with the highest burden of the dis-
ease, United Nations agencies announced today.

"This is an outstanding public health success story," World
Health Organization Director-General Lee Jong-wook said of the
latest figures, which show mortality falling by 48 per cent,
from 871,000 in 1999 to an estimated 454,000 in 2004, thanks to
major national immunization drives and better access to routine
childhood immunization.

In sub-Saharan Africa estimated measles cases and deaths dropped
by 60 per cent.

"If progress continues at this rate, the global goal to cut mea-
sles deaths by half will have been achieved on time," Dr. Lee
declared of the target of halving mortality by the end of 2005.

Measles is one of the most contagious diseases known, especially
among children under five years of age who accounted for some
410,000 of the deaths in 2004. "Measles remains a major killer
of children in the developing world, but it doesn't have to be,"
UN Children's Fund Executive Director Ann M. Veneman said.

"Just two doses of an inexpensive, safe, and available measles
vaccine can prevent most, if not all, measles deaths," she
added, noting that the vaccine has been available since the
1960s.

Many children succumb to complications related to severe diar-
rhoea and pneumonia. Many who survive are left with lifelong
disabilities including blindness and brain damage. Weak immuni-
zation networks that are unable to deliver measles vaccine to
the young remain the primary reason for countries still experi-
encing high measles deaths.

WHO and UNICEF have focused their operations on 47 countries
that account for about 98 per cent of global measles deaths,
working to improve routine immunization, treat infected children
and strengthen disease surveillance. From 1999 to 2004, nearly
500 million children were immunized.

While African countries have made great improvements, progress
in South Asia has been slow. The challenge now is to increase
immunization there to at least 90 per cent, ensuring that all
children receive a first dose of vaccine at nine months.

A key factor in the success has been the strong support of the
Measles Initiative, grouping UN, national and private organiza-
tions. Since its launch in 2001, it has supported vaccination
efforts in over 40 African countries and raised more than $150
million with help from partners such as the Global Alliance for
Vaccines and Immunization.