Measles deaths worldwide fell by 74 percent between 2000 and 2007, from an estimated 750,000 to 197,000, a joint report said here Thursday.
In addition, the Eastern Mediterranean region, which includes countries such as Afghanistan, Pakistan, Somalia, and Sudan, has cut measles deaths by a remarkable 90 percent, from an estimated 96,000 to 10,000, during the same period, thus achieving the United Nations goal to reduce measles deaths by 90 percent by 2010,three years early.
The progress was announced by the founding partners of the Measles Initiative: the American Red Cross, the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the United Nations Foundation (UN Foundation), the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the World Health Organization (WHO).
The data will be published in the Dec. 5 edition of WHO's Weekly Epidemiological Record and CDC's Morbidity and Morality Weekly Report.
"This achievement is a tribute to the hard work and commitment of countries in the Eastern Mediterranean region to combat measles," said Margaret Chan, the director-general of WHO. "With only two years until 2010 target date, I urge all countries affected by measles to intensify their efforts to immunize all children against the disease."
The significant decline in measles deaths in the Eastern Mediterranean region was the result of intensified vaccination campaigns including several countries with hard-to-reach areas. In2007, more than twice the number of children were immunized in the region through such campaigns as compared to 2006.
"There are thousands of health workers and volunteers from our Red Cross and Red Crescent family who deserve much of the credit for this success," said Bonnie McElveen-Hunter, chairman of the Board of the American Red Cross. "They give their time to literally go door-to-door informing, educating and motivating mothers and care-givers about the critical need to vaccinate their children."
"This mobilization helps us to consistently reach more than 90 percent of the vulnerable population and save countless lives," she said.
The African region was the largest contributor to the global decline in measles deaths, accounting for about 63 percent of the reduction in deaths worldwide over the eight-year period, the report said. In 2007, measles outbreak occurred in a number of African countries due to gaps in immunization coverage, reinforcing the need to continue immunization support.
The global success in reaching the 2010 measles goal depends on ensuring that all children receive two doses of measles vaccine including one dose by their first birthday, strengthening disease surveillance systems, and providing effective treatment for measles.
"Progress also depends on addressing the considerable funding gap," said Kathy Calvin, executive vice president and chief operating office for the UN Foundation. "The shortfall stands at 176 million U.S. dollars for 2009-2010, of which 35 million U.S. dollars."
"We ask our supporters to stay with us and strongly encourage new supporters to join us in our effort to save lives," she said.
The Measles Initiative is a partnership committed to reducing measles deaths globally. Launched in 2001, the initiative provides technical and financial support to governments and communities on vaccination campaigns and disease surveillance worldwide.
The initiative has supported the vaccination of more than 600 million children in more than 60 countries.
Source:Xinhua
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