NEW DELHI: Deaths due to measles have fallen by 60 per cent worldwide since 1999, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). This exceeds the United Nations' goal to halve such deaths between the years 2000 and 2005. This is largely due to an unprecedented decline in the deaths in the African region.

According to WHO data, global measles deaths fell from an estimated 8,73,000 in 1999 to 3,45,000 in 2005.

The goal has been surpassed mainly due to achievements in the African region, which registered a 75 per cent decline.

Southeast Asia also made a significant contribution, with a 27 per cent fall in deaths over the same period.

Concerted drive

Building on the experience of polio eradication, polio-free countries of the region initiated a concerted drive to reduce measles in 2005-06. Bangladesh, Bhutan, Indonesia, Nepal, the Maldives and Sri Lanka carried out measles immunisation campaigns using their polio eradication infrastructure. Phased campaigns are in the final stages in Indonesia and Myanmar.

New goal

According to the WHO, a new global goal has been set to reduce measles deaths by 90 per cent by 2010, compared to the 2000 figures. The challenge now is to sustain the gains made and take the momentum to other large countries with high number of cases such as India and Pakistan.

Attaining measles reduction in India is a priority. The country has strengthened measles surveillance in three States and plans to do the same in 10 States by year-end.

The Government aims at providing children with a second opportunity for measles vaccination based on the disease burden. With considerable experience in organising immunisation campaigns for eradication of polio and control of Japanese Encephalitis, India is expected to register rapid progress in preventing measles deaths with this measure, according to a WHO spokesperson.

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