Measles deaths have noticed a sudden fall of 60 percent in the last six years, which is being looked upon as a major victory for global health. First, a look back at the major victories registered against measles deaths.
1. Whereas 873,000 measles deaths were noticed in, 1999 while this death figure came down to 345,000 in 2005.
2. Africa had the privilege to see the biggest fall in measles deaths where percentage of children dying from illness fell about 75 percent.
3. Interestingly, since 2002 western hemisphere hasn’t seen any local spread of the measles virus.
A look at these figures clearly shows that advancement made in the field of measles eradication is really wonderful. In addition, there is nothing wrong if routine measles immunizations and massive campaigns carried out to stint the march of measles are credited for this decline.
However, none can deny the fact that the target of complete eradication of measles is still far away and for that, enforcement of worldwide campaign is necessary. The following words of Strebel give out somewhat alike view:
However, global eradication will require all countries at the same time to achieve very high vaccination coverage — 95 percent plus.
Image credit: IFRC
Via: Reuters