The Solution
Established in 2001, the Measles Initiative – a partnership led by the American Red Cross, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the United Nations Foundation, UNICEF and the World Health Organization – aims to reduce global measles mortality through mass vaccination campaigns and by strengthening routine immunization.
For less than US $1, a child can be safely and effectively vaccinated against measles, making it one of the most cost-effective health interventions available.
Initially focused on Africa, where the disease burden was highest, the Measles Initiative provides technical and financial support to governments, struggling to control the spread of this disease. In Africa, measles related deaths have plunged by 92 percent*.
Building on its success, the Measles Initiative now supports vaccination campaigns worldwide. More than 700 million children have received a measles vaccination as a result of the Initiative. Globally, deaths have decreased by 78 percent*. The Measles Initiative goal is to reduce measles deaths worldwide by 90 percent between 2000 and 2010.
In total, an estimated 4.3 million deaths have been prevented by strengthening routine immunization and conducting mass vaccination campaigns.
*Between 2000 and 2008.
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Explore the Initiative
