Progress in implementing measles mortality reduction strategies--India, 2010-2011.

In 2005, an estimated 92,000 deaths occurred in India from measles among children aged <5 years. Estimates from 2008 indicate that 77% of global measles mortality was attributable to measles deaths in the World Health Organization (WHO) South-East Asia Region, the majority of which occurred in India. These figures highlight the importance of India in attaining regional and global measles mortality reduction targets. In 2008, the Indian National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (NTAGI) recommended introduction of a second dose of measles-containing vaccine (MCV2), delivered through routine vaccination in states with ≥80% coverage with the first dose of measles-containing vaccine (MCV1), or through mass vaccination campaigns in states with <80% MCV1 coverage. Based on these recommendations, the government of India initiated MCV2 introduction in late 2010. This report provides an update on MCV1 coverage, progress in implementing MCV2, and measles outbreak surveillance activities conducted in eight states during 2006-2010. India has initiated implementation of a measles mortality reduction strategy, but the pace of implementation is variable across states. Strong national and state leadership and commitment to rapid reduction of measles mortality are essential to achieve the full benefits of this strategy.