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THE SOLUTION:
Launched in 2001, the Measles Initiative was formed to reduce measles deaths in Africa, where the impact of measles was highest. Building on its success, the Initiative now supports vaccination campaigns worldwide.
The Measles Initiative follows the WHO/UNICEF Comprehensive Strategy for Sustainable Measles Mortality Reduction.
Progress so far:
- From 2001-2007, the Measles Initiative supported the vaccination of more than 500 million children in 50 countries. Of those, 43 countries are in Africa.
- From 2000 - 2006, globally measles deaths dropped by 68% from 757,000 to 242,000 deaths. In Africa, measles deaths plunged by 91% from 396,000 to 36,000 deaths.
- The Measles Initiative is now working toward the global goal of reducing measles deaths by 90% by 2010 (compared to 2000).
A Cost-Effective Solution
For less than $1, a child can be easily and safely vaccinated against measles, making it one of the most cost-effective health interventions available. Each dollar covers the cost of vaccinating one child, from purchasing the vaccine, syringes and cotton balls to providing training and transportation for health workers and volunteers.
What is a measles vaccination campaign?
A measles vaccination campaign refers to the process of vaccinating large groups of children in a short period of time, often just a few days or weeks. Campaigns are usually countrywide and may take place in multiple phases. The Ministry of Health determines the approach after consulting with technical experts and partners, including the Measles Initiative.
Campaigns are designed to reach every child in the target group-- generally children under 15 years of age. On average, campaigns successfully reach more than 95 percent of the target population.
The success of campaigns depends largely on getting the word out to communities through “social mobilization.” Before a campaign, governments and other partners, like the Measles Initiative, use locally trained volunteers--including from national Red Cross and Red Crescent societies-- to raise awareness and educate mothers and caretakers about the importance of getting their children vaccinated.
Through the mass vaccination distribution system, the Initiative increasingly supports ‘integrated campaigns’, which provide additional health services, such as insecticide-treated mosquito nets for malaria prevention, vitamin A, polio vaccines, and de-worming medicine.
DOWNLOAD THE MEASLES INITIATIVE FACT SHEET
Each dollar can help protect another child against measles. Donate now.
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