Progress toward elimination of measles and prevention of congenital rubella infection--European region, 1990-2004.

The European Region (EUR) of the World Health Organization (WHO) comprises 52 member countries, with an estimated population of 876 million. In 1998, the Regional Committee for EUR resolved to interrupt indigenous measles transmission by 2007 and reduce the incidence of congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) in all countries to <1 per 100,000 live births by 2010. In 2002, progress toward these measles and rubella targets was further encouraged with development of the Strategic Plan for Measles and Congenital Rubella Infection in the WHO European Region, which outlines an integrated approach to achieving both disease targets by 2010 by implementing six key strategies. This report presents data on measles, rubella, and CRS control in EUR during 1990-2004 and summarizes progress halfway through the implementation of the strategic plan.