Measles remains a leading cause of death among young children, despite the fact that a safe and effective vaccine has been available for 40 years. It is one of the most contagious diseases known and many non-immune children contract this respiratory disease if exposed to the virus. Measles is an acute illness caused by a virus of the paramyxovirus family. During the first few weeks after contracting measles, a child’s immune system will be compromised, and a normal cold or diarrhoea can become a life threatening disease in developing countries where children have limited or no access to medical treatment.
Measles Mortality Reduction Strategy
The reduction in measles deaths globally reflects support and commitment by the Measles Initiative to boosting immunization coverage and by national governments to following the World Health Organization (WHO)/UNICEF comprehensive strategy for reducing measles mortality. This strategy consists of four key components:
Updated – January 2010