PHA-Exch> Measles deaths dramatically cut by 74 per cent worldwide – UN health agency

[Claudio Schuftan]

From: Vern Weitzel <vern.weitzel at gmail.com>
crossposted from: "[health-vn discussion group]" health-vn at cairo.anu.edu.au

http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=29188&Cr=world+health+organization&Cr1=disease

Measles deaths dramatically cut by 74 per cent worldwide – UN health agency
4 December 2008 – Measles deaths have plummeted by some 74 per cent
worldwide since 2000, the United Nations announced today, while warning that
the problem has still not been eradicated.
The estimated number of people dying from measles each year dropped
dramatically from an estimated 750,000 to 197,000 between 2000 and 2007,
thanks to improvements in routine and supplementary immunization activities.

In the same period, the Eastern Mediterranean region – including
Afghanistan, Pakistan, Somalia and the Sudan – has cut measles deaths from
96,000 to 10,000, achieving the UN goal of reducing measles deaths by 90 per
cent three years ahead of time.

"This significant decline in measles deaths in the region was made possible
by the hard work and dedication of national governments to fully implement
the measles mortality reduction strategy with the support of the Measles
Initiative partners," said UN World Health Organization (WHO) Regional
Director, Eastern Mediterranean Region, Hussein Abdel-Razzak Al Gezairy in
remarks to the press this morning.

The major reduction in measles deaths in the Eastern Mediterranean region
was a result of ramping up vaccination campaigns, with more than twice the
number of children immunized in 2007 compared to the previous year.

"Going forward, however, we cannot drop our guard against this disease. We
know that children being born today, tomorrow and the next day will need the
life-saving benefits of vaccination," said Dr. Al Gezairy in remarks read by
his colleague, Peter Strebel.

"Countries must plan and budget for periodic nationwide measles vaccination
campaigns to make sure all children are protected by vaccination. If this is
not done systematically we could see a reversal of the gains made," he
added.

The progress was announced at a press conference today by the partners of
the Measles Initiative – the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF), the UN Foundation
and WHO, as well as the American Red Cross and the United States Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention of (CDC) – ahead of tomorrow's WHO report,
which will include the latest data on measles mortality.

Although more than 3.6 million lives have been saved, measles is still one
of the leading killers of children worldwide, with an estimated 540 dying
each day from the disease, the Initiative said in a press release issued
today.

Africa saw the largest decrease in measles deaths, accounting for roughly 63
per cent of the reduction in worldwide deaths over the eight-year period. In
2007, however, measles outbreaks occurred in a number of African countries
due to gaps in immunization coverage, reinforcing the need to remain
vigilant against the disease.

South-East Asia only experienced a 42 per cent decline in measles deaths due
to the delayed implementation of large-scale vaccination campaigns in India,
which currently accounts for two-thirds of global measles deaths.

"Much needs to be done. An estimated 500 children a day die of measles. This
is an unacceptable reality when there is a safe, effective and inexpensive
vaccine to prevent the disease," said UNICEF Executive Director Ann M.
Veneman.

"Of the estimated 197,000 measles related deaths in 2007, 90 per cent or an
estimated 177,000 were children, who died before their fifth birthday," Ms.
Veneman added.

Success in reaching the 2010 goal of reducing measles death by 90 per cent
worldwide depends on ensuring that all children receive two doses of the
measles vaccine including one dose by their first birthday, strengthening
disease surveillance systems and providing effective treatment for measles.

"Progress also depends on addressing the considerable funding gap," said
Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for the UN Foundation
Kathy Calvin.

"Currently the shortfall stands at $176 million for 2009-2010, of which $35
million is urgently needed for 2009. During these tough economic times it is
important to remember that prevention is always more cost effective in the
long run than treatment," said Ms. Calvin.

"For only a $1 a vaccination, measles can be prevented," she added.

Measles infection occurs through the spread of nasal and oral fluids. After
an incubation period of seven to 14 days, the first symptoms are fever,
nasal discharge and redness of the eyes. Measles is a contributing cause of
malnutrition, which in turn increases the risk of contracting measles.
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