Reducing measles mortality, reducing child mortality

PLoS ONE, 2010

Background: This study characterizes the historical relationship between coverage of measles containing vaccines (MCV) and mortality in children under 5 years, with a view toward ongoing global efforts to reduce child mortality.

Journal of Infectious Diseases, 2011

JAMA, 2008

The Journal of Infectious Diseases, 2003

Despite achieving and sustaining global measles vaccination coverage of about 80% over the past decade, worldwide measles remains the fifth leading cause of mortality among children aged <5 years. In May 2002, the United Nations Special Session on Children endorsed the goal of reducing measles deaths by half by 2005. Countries and World Health Organization (WHO) regions that adopted aggressive measles control or elimination strategies have shown excellent results. In 2001, countries in the Americas reported an all time low of 537 confirmed measles cases. Substantial progress in measles control has also been achieved in the WHO Western Pacific Region, in seven southern African countries, and in selected countries in WHO European, Eastern Mediterranean, and Southeast Asian regions. The ongoing measles disease burden and availability of safe and effective measles mortality reduction strategies make a compelling case to complete the unfinished agenda of measles immunization.

Journal of Infectious Diseases, 2011

The Journal of Infectious Diseases, 2004

Lessons learned from the successful end of endemic measles virus transmission (i.e., elimination) in the United States include the critical roles of strong political commitment, a regionwide initiative, adequate funding, and a broad coalition of partners. Implications of measles elimination in the United States for global measles control and regional elimination efforts include demonstration of the high vaccination coverage and, in turn, population immunity needed for elimination; the importance of accurate monitoring of vaccination coverage at local, state, and national levels; a vaccination strategy that includes at least 2 opportunities for measles immunization; and the essential role of integrated epidemiological and laboratory surveillance. The United States, with a population of 288 million, is, to our knowledge, the largest country to have ended endemic measles transmission. This experience provides evidence that sustained interruption of transmission can be achieved in large geographic areas, suggesting the feasibility of global eradication of measles. Remarkable progress has been made in controlling measles through vaccination. Worldwide, measles vaccine prevents an estimated 80 million measles cases and 11 million measles deaths annually; however, in 2000, 30-40 million cases and ∼777,000 deaths were estimated to occur every year [1]. This represents 46% of the estimated 1.7 million deaths among children each year due to diseases that are currently vaccine-preventable [2]. In 2000, measles was the fifth leading cause of mortality among children aged !5 years worldwide [3]. Measles has been proposed as a candidate for global eradication because it meets the following criteria: measles vaccination is highly effective and leads to longlasting immunity; sensitive and specific assays are available for reliable diagnosis; and humans are the only reservoir for measles virus. In addition, it is necessary to demonstrate that endemic transmission of measles can be interrupted and maintained in large geographic

MMWR. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 2015

African Journal of …, 2009

; intervention methods may no longer be needed. It represents the sum of successful elimination efforts in all countries. Indeed, measles transmission has been interrupted in several countries, reinforcing the view that measles eradication is technically feasible using existing vaccines, laboratory techniques and intervention strategies. However, measles still accounts for 10% of global mortality from all causes among children aged less than 5 years (That is, approximately 1 million deaths annually). Vaccination proper coverage is key indicator of campaign success and to predict control on measles. In Nigeria where there is perennial, low routine vaccination coverage and where the quality of the mass immunization campaign is not high enough, large and persistent measles outbreaks continue to occur with high morbidity and mortality. Immunization and vaccination remains one of the most cost effective strategies to prevent infectious diseases. However, the most effective and efficient way to protect the health of children is by immunization before the risk of disease arises. Vaccination has succeeded in eradicating small pox in the world, soon would be achieved with polio and measles will be next to reach the same degree of disease control (viz, worldwide eradication) as has occurred with smallpox. The efficacy of vaccination and immunization in reducing the incidences of several diseases is clearly shown by the success story of measles control in developed countries of the world. However, intensified efforts are necessary to implement appropriate control and elimination strategies, including supplementary vaccination campaigns, expansion of routine vaccination services, and surveillance.

Archives of Disease in Childhood, 2013

The Journal of Infectious Diseases

There are compelling epidemiological, economic, and ethical arguments for setting a global measles eradication goal. The 6 chairpersons of Regional Verification Commissions for Measles and Rubella elimination advocate that the time for courageously accelerating efforts to ensure a world where no child dies of measles, is NOW!