Global measles deaths fall by nearly half between 1999 and 2004, WHO says

April 2006

A global immunization drive has cut measles deaths by nearly half between 1999 and 2004, WHO and UNICEF announced.

Global measles deaths fell by 48%, from 871,000 in 1999 to an estimated 454,000 in 2004, due to major national immunization activities and better access to routine childhood immunization, the agencies said. The largest reduction occurred in sub-Saharan Africa, the region with the highest burden of the disease, where estimated measles cases and deaths dropped by 60%.

Although a safe, effective and inexpensive vaccine has been available since the 1960s, an estimated 410,000 children younger than age 5 died from measles in 2004, often from complications related to severe diarrhea and pneumonia. Weak immunization systems that are unable to deliver measles vaccine to young children remain the primary reason for countries still experiencing high measles deaths.

WHO and UNICEF have concentrated measles mortality reduction activities in 47 countries that account for about 98% of global measles deaths, working primarily to improve routine immunization as well as providing treatment to children with measles and strengthening disease surveillance.

South Asia has been slow in reducing measles deaths, and now must increase measles immunization coverage in the region to at least 90%. It must also be ensured that all children receive a first dose of measles vaccine at 9 months of age through routine immunization services and a second dose through either routine services or supplementary immunization activities.

Another area that had made significant progress in reducing measles is Venezuela. However, a recent outbreak there has led health officials to call for stepped up vaccination efforts.

Twelve laboratory-confirmed cases were reported to the Ministry of Health of Venezuela, 10 in Miranda and two in the capital district. Four other probable cases are being investigated.

The first measles case was reported in a 33-year-old airline pilot from Miranda who traveled to Madrid in February and became ill on his return. The case was confirmed as measles in a private clinic and resulted in an outbreak among direct contacts of the patient, including five children and four adults. Four other possible cases are still being investigated by health authorities.

Venezuelan health authorities responded immediately with control measures, increased surveillance, case investigation and vaccination in areas where the people affected by the outbreak live and work. So far, some 67,000 vaccines have been administered, health officials there said.

Since the goal of measles elimination was adopted in September 1994 by the countries of the Americas, measles incidence has decreased by more than 99% in the Americas.

Since 2001, the Measles Initiative has supported vaccination efforts in more than 40 African countries and raised more than $150 million with help from partners such as the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization. The initiative is expanding its technical and financial support to south Asian countries, where total measles deaths are highest outside sub-Saharan Africa. It will also continue the successful child health campaigns in which health workers provide measles vaccine, polio vaccine, insecticide-treated nets for malaria prevention, vitamin A and deworming tablets.