Measles Eradication: Issues, Strategies and Challenges

Measles is considered to be an important cause of morbidity and mortality in children in developing nations. After poliomyelitis, measles is the next candidate disease for eradication. The feasibility of measles eradication has been studied and approved by an expert panel convened by WHO. Pan American Health Organisation evolved the strategy for measles eradication which includes initial “catch up campaign” followed by “keep up” and “follow up” campaigns. Region of The Americas has achieved elimination of measles by adopting this strategy. To reduce measles mortality in South East Asia region, The Strategic Advisory Group of Experts (SAGE) has drafted recommendations stating all children should receive two doses of measles vaccine. In spite of biological and technical feasibility, challenges are many for measles eradication. Competing priorities like ongoing polio eradication, introduction of new vaccines under Universal Immunisation Program and other ongoing health initiatives pose major challenges. Limited resources and injectable vaccine requiring trained workforce to administer are other considerations. Wars, political and social unrest as well as population displacement and migration create hindrance in achieving and maintaining a good vaccine coverage which is essential for eradication. Hence, measles eradication seems to be very challenging. Each and every part of the world should comply with the efforts for eradication; only then global transmission of disease can be terminated.