The Lancet: Public-health impact of accelerated measles control in theWHO African Region 2000–03
Measles cases and deaths drop 91% in 19 African countries
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The Measles Initiative uses a model that requires supplementary immunization of large age groups regardless of immunization status.

A measles campaign is the actual on-site process of vaccinating children in a specific measles burdened country. The campaigns last a few days or weeks and are designed to reach every child in the target group. The at-risk population may vary from country to country, but in general the target population is children under the age of 15 years. Campaigns can be countrywide or involve only selected regions and districts that have a high risk for measles transmission within a country. The Ministry of Health determines the particular country approach after consulting technical experts and partners such as CDC, WHO and UNICEF.

For less than a dollar, a child can be easily and safely vaccinated against a disease that is so deadly, yet so simple to prevent. That dollar covers the cost of all necessary resources needed for a measles campaign - from the vaccine, syringes and cotton balls to the cost of making sure a volunteer has food for lunch during social mobilization. Social mobilization is the process of educating and gathering communities to achieve the highest immunization coverage possible.

Dr. Perry, a pediatrician and epidemiologist with the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) believes "I spend my day treating kids with measles, trying to keep them from dying. Then I step back, and realize that with a simple shot, it can be prevented. It boggles the mind…"

"The Measles Initiative is a unique example of partnership. Not only funding, technical support and supplies and training, but the government is taking ownership of this [Bangladesh] campaign at all levels. Without the partnership, this campaign wouldn’t be possible..." said Dr. Ataur Rahman, UNICEF Health and Nutrition Program Officer.

Dr. Hoekstra of UNICEF believes "People have this desire to help kids who can't normally be reached. They have a chance to help kids no matter where they are in the world - they have a right to be healthy." He continued "There are so many kids out there who need a little bit of help.

The Measles Initiative continues to have a profound impact on the health of all children being reached by the campaigns . The Initiative will also continue the successful ‘integrated child health campaigns’ in which health workers provide not only measles vaccines, but also insecticide-treated nets for malaria prevention, vitamin A, de-worming medication and polio vaccines.