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Measles – A deadly disease
In 2000, before the Measles Initiative was launched, more than 757,000 children worldwide died from measles.
While significant progress has been made, measles is still a leading disease that kills more than 242,000 each year; mostly children under the age of five. That is more than 600 children every day.
Although measles has been eliminated from the Western Hemisphere-- including the United States-- much of the world still faces a threat from this deadly disease. Measles can also re-emerge in countries that have eliminated measles, if the disease is imported from countries where it persists.
The burden of measles continues to be greatest in regions of Africa and South Asia, especially in countries that have not carried out mass vaccination campaigns and where routine immunization rates are low.
Why do children die of measles?
Measles is a highly contagious virus that often leads to a high fever and severe skin rash. Measles does not kill directly, but it often leads to secondary health problems, such as pneumonia, blindness, diarrhea, encephalitis, corneal scarring and respiratory problems. Even if a child recovers from measles, he or she can be left with permanent disabilities.
Children living in areas with poor health conditions and suffering from malnutrition often have weak immune systems, making them most vulnerable to measles.
Other factors that make children particularly vulnerable include:
- Lack of access to quality medical care;
- High cost of treatment, which many families cannot afford; and
- Folk tales, misinformation and safety concerns that can contribute to not receiving treatment in time.
The Response
The Measles Initiative was launched in 2001 to support mass vaccination campaigns in countries where the burden of measles is highest— helping deliver a safe, effective vaccine to millions of vulnerable children.
READ ABOUT "The Solution"
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