PROGRESS TOWARD MEASLES ELIMINATION — EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN REGION, 2008–2012

Monday, 30th of June 2014

[source]Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR)[|source]

In this report, the authors report that since EMR countries first resolved to eliminate measles, substantial progress has been made. In the period 2000–2012, the report documents that measles incidence decreased by 34%, and the estimated measles mortality decreased 52%. The report however notes that during 2008–2012 reporting period, regional progress stagnated, and the number of reported measles cases increased more than two-fold, mainly because of large outbreaks reported in several countries. More Details on the progress in routine MCv vaccination, surveillance and SIAs are accessible at: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6323a3.htm

 

Abstract

In 1997, the 22 countries in the World Health Organization (WHO) Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) adopted a goal of measles elimination by 2010. To achieve this goal, the WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMRO) developed a four-pronged strategy: 1) achieve ≥95% vaccination coverage of children with the first dose of measles-containing vaccine (MCV1) in every district of each country through routine immunization services, 2) achieve ≥95% vaccination coverage with the second dose of measles-containing vaccine (MCV2) in every district of each country either through a routine 2-dose vaccination schedule or through supplementary immunization activities (SIAs), 3) conduct high-quality, case-based surveillance in all countries, and 4) provide optimal clinical case management, including supplementing diets with vitamin A. Although significant progress was made toward measles elimination in the EMR during 1997-2007, the measles elimination goal was not reached by the target date of 2010, and the date was revised to 2015. This report updates previous reports and summarizes the progress made toward measles elimination in EMR during 2008-2012. From 2008 to 2012, large outbreaks occurred in countries with a high incidence of measles, and reported annual measles cases in EMR increased from 12,186 to 36,456. To achieve measles elimination in EMR, efforts are needed to increase 2-dose vaccination coverage, especially in countries with high incidence of measles and in conflict-affected countries, and to implement innovative strategies to reach populations at high risk in areas with poor access to vaccination services or with civil strife.