title: South-East Asia Regional update on measles mortality reduction and elimination, 2003-2008.
abstract: In 2005, the World Health Assembly endorsed a global goal of 90% reduction in measles mortality from 2000 to 2010. Substantial progress has been made toward achieving this goal in countries of the South-East Asia Region (SEAR). More than 120 million children received a second dose of measles-containing vaccine during supplemental immunization activities conducted from 2000 to 2008; routine first-dose measles-containing vaccine coverage increased from 63% in 2000 to 75% by 2008; and measles surveillance is supported in all countries by the Measles-Rubella Laboratory Network. Overall, the estimated number of measles deaths decreased by 46% from 2000 to 2008, and all countries with the exception of India have already achieved the 90% mortality reduction target. Sustained political and financial commitment from SEAR countries is needed to achieve regional measles mortality reduction and elimination.
authors.affiliation: Immunization and Vaccine Development, World Health Organization Regional Office for South-East Asia, New Delhi, India. oconnorp@searo.who.int
authors.forename: Patrick M
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: O'Connor
authors.forename: Jayantha B L
authors.initials: JB
authors.lastname: Liyanage
authors.forename: Ondrej
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Mach
authors.forename: Abhijeet
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Anand
authors.forename: Nalini
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Ramamurty
authors.forename: Madhava Ram
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Balakrishnan
authors.forename: Simarjit
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Singh
mesh_terms: D001210:Asia, Southeastern / Q000453:epidemiology; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004196:Disease Outbreaks; D006801:Humans; D017589:Immunization Programs; D015994:Incidence; D007223:Infant; D008457:Measles / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000401:mortality* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008458:Measles Vaccine / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D011159:Population Surveillance; D013997:Time Factors; D014611:Vaccination
chemical_list: D008458:Measles Vaccine