The Solution

The Measles & Rubella Initiative is a global partnership committed to ensuring no child dies from measles or is born with congenital rubella syndrome. Founded originally as the Measles Initiative in 2001, it’s led by the American Red Cross, the United Nations Foundation, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, UNICEF and the World Health Organization. Since 2001, the Initiative has supported 80 countries to deliver more than 1 billion doses of measles vaccine, helped to raise measles vaccination coverage to 85 percent globally, and reduced measles deaths by 74 percent. These efforts have contributed significantly to reducing child mortality as per Millennium Development Goal 4.

For just $1, a child can be safely and effectively vaccinated against measles and rubella, making it one of the most cost-effective health interventions available.

Initially focused on Africa where the disease burden was highest, the Measles & Rubella Initiative provides technical and financial support to governments, who require support to control the spread of these diseases. In sub-Saharan Africa, measles related deaths have plunged by 85 percent*.

Building on its success, the Measles & Rubella Initiative now supports vaccination campaigns worldwide. The Initiative has delivered more than 1 billion doses of measles vaccine to children in 80 countries and globally, deaths have decreased by 74 percent*. The Measles & Rubella Initiative goal is to reduce measles deaths worldwide by 95 percent by 2015 and eliminate measles and rubella in at least five of the six World Health Organization regions by 2020.

*Between 2000 and 2010.