Impact of alternative approaches to accelerated measles control: experience in the African region, 1996-2002.
From 1996 to 2000, several African countries accelerated measles control by providing a second opportunity for measles vaccine through supplemental campaigns. Fifteen countries completed campaigns in children aged 9 months to 14 years. Seven countries completed campaigns in children aged 9-59 months. In almost all countries that conducted campaigns in children aged 9 months to 14 years, measles deaths were reduced to near zero. In six countries, near-zero measles mortality has been maintained for 4-6 years. Supplemental immunization in children <5 years old was only partially effective (range, 0-67%) in reducing mortality. Measles cases decreased by 50% when routine vaccination coverage increased from 50% to 80%. Initial measles campaigns in children aged 9 months to 14 years, follow-up campaigns in those aged 9-59 months every 3-5 years, and increased routine coverage to 80% will be needed to reduce and maintain measles deaths in African countries at near zero.
World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for Africa, Vaccine Preventable Diseases, Harare, Zimbabwe. mwo2@cdc.gov
Mac W
MW
Otten
Jean-Marie
JM
Okwo-Bele
Robert
R
Kezaala
Robin
R
Biellik
Rudi
R
Eggers
Deogratias
D
Nshimirimana
D000293:Adolescent; D017954:Africa South of the Sahara / Q000453:epidemiology; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006801:Humans; D007115:Immunization Schedule; D015994:Incidence; D007223:Infant; D032541:Mass Vaccination / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods* / Q000639:trends; D008457:Measles / Q000191:economics / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000401:mortality / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008458:Measles Vaccine / Q000008:administration & dosage; D011159:Population Surveillance
D008458:Measles Vaccine