Progress in global measles control and mortality reduction, 2000-2006.

The World Health Organization (WHO) and United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) comprehensive strategy for measles mortality reduction is focused on 47 priority countries. Components include 1) achieving and maintaining high coverage (>90%) with the first dose of measles vaccine by age 12 months in every district of each priority country through routine immunization services; 2) ensuring that all children receive a second opportunity for measles vaccination; 3) maintaining effective case-based surveillance and monitoring of vaccination coverage; and 4) providing appropriate clinical management, including vitamin A supplementation. In 2005, the World Health Assembly set a goal for global measles control as part of the Global Immunization Vision and Strategy (GIVS): a 90% reduction in measles mortality by 2010, compared with 2000 levels. In January 2007, WHO/UNICEF reported that implementation of measles mortality reduction strategies had reduced measles mortality by 60%, from an estimated 873,000 deaths in 1999 to 345,000 deaths in 2005. This reduction exceeded the goal of 50% measles mortality reduction by 2005 (compared with 1999 levels) that had been set in 2002. This report updates previous reports by detailing 1) measles mortality reduction activities implemented during 2006 and 2) the impact of activities since 2000 on the global burden of measles and progress toward the GIVS mortality reduction goal for 2010.