Yamoussoukro, (Cote d'Ivoire), 1 September 2011 -- World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Director for Africa, Dr Luis Sambo, has proposed a strategy for the elimination of measles in the African Region by 2020.

"Measles elimination is biologically and programmatically feasible, building upon the experiences of measles mortality reduction in the past decade... the elimination efforts should be entirely led by countries and implemented to strengthen immunization systems and promote equity of service delivery", the Regional Director indicated in the strategy document discussed at the 61st session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa which opened in Yamoussoukro on Monday.

The specific objectives of the strategy are to: reduce measles incidence in all countries; increase access to immunization services in all districts; improve coverage during all scheduled measles SIAs and outbreak response immunization activities as well as the epidemiological and virological investigation of measles outbreaks in all countries.

The targets set out in the strategy are that by 2020, all countries in the African Region will achieve and maintain:

1. Measles incidence of less than 1 case per million population at national level;
2. At least 95% measles immunization coverage at national level and in all districts;
3. At least 95% coverage in all scheduled measles SIAs, and in outbreak response immunization activities;
4. at least 80% of districts investigating one or more suspected measles cases within a year, and a non measles febrile rash illness rate of at least 2 per 100 000 population at national level.

Dr Sambo outlined ten priority interventions in the strategy document.

These include: improved routine immunization coverage through systematic implementation of a combination of approaches to reach everyone targeted for immunization; provision of a second opportunity for measles immunization through high quality measles Supplemental Immunization Activities and/ or the introduction of a second dose of measles immunization in the routine immunization schedule in eligible countries and improved immunization monitoring data quality.

The others are: improved quality of disease surveillance; enhanced information sharing among Member States; operational research; ensuring capacity building; undertaking sustained advocacy and resource mobilization; mobilization of partners and coordination of interventions, and ensuring availability of quality and affordable vaccines and medicines.

For more information, please contact:

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Samuel Ajibola, WHO/AFRO, P.O. Box 06, Brazzaville;
Tel: +47 241 39378 (In Yamoussoukro - mobile 09301551

Collins Boakye-Agyemang, WHO/AFRO, B.P. 06, Brazzaville;
Tel: +47 241 39420

Related links:

Sixty-first session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa