SURVEILLANCE OF MEASLES AND RUBELLA IN ALBANIA

The aim of the research is the description of the Measles and Rubella surveillance system in Albania Measles and Rubella. Clinicians across the country and in each health service mandatorily report all suspected cases to the Institute of Public Health for laboratory confirmation. Albanian strategy of elimination began with two mass immunization campaigns with bivalent vaccine for children aged 1-14 years and for women of reproductive age 15-35 years. Despite the high immunization coverage two measles outbreaks occurred in 2006. Additional vaccination campaigns were organized in communities affected by these outbreaks. National Laboratory participates in the annual proficiency tests and has been accredited by the WHO Regional Office since 2004. Despite the high vaccination coverage enhancement of surveillance and elimination of vaccination gaps is needed to reach the goal of elimination of the disease by 2015.