Elimination of measles in the WHO European Region-challenges persist

Abstract

Measles incidence in the 53Member States of the World Health Organization (WHO) European Region has fallen dramatically in recent decades. The European Regional Verification Commission for Measles and Rubella Elimination (RVC) verified that 43member states had interrupted endemic measles transmission for ≥12months by the end of 2017. However, measles incidence in the region increased sharply in 2018 compared to 2017. The purpose of this article is to assess the current status of measles in the Region in relation to its elimination goal. It also discusses challenges and actions needed to reach this goal. Measles surveillance data presented for 2017 and 2018 (as of 1February 2019) were submitted by all 53member states. The measles elimination status of countries was obtained from the 2018 report of the seventh meeting of the RVC. In 2017, 25,863 measles cases were reported in 44countries of the WHO European Region. In 2018, 82,596 measles cases were reported in 47countries. Most cases were reported by Ukraine (64%) and Serbia (6%). Age was known in 82,588 cases: 8% were <1year old, 17% were 1-4years old, 38% were 5-19years old and 37% were ≥20years old. Data on vaccination status were provided for 76% of the cases, of which 62% were unvaccinated. Seventy-twomeasles-related deaths were reported from 10countries. For the elimination of measles in the European Region, ahigh population immunity rate and accurate epidemiological surveillance remain essential. Long-term political commitment by all Member States in these areasis crucial to attain the elimination goal.