Pivoting from polio eradication to measles and rubella elimination: a transition that makes sense both for children and immunization program improvement

Stephen L Cochi

doi:10.11604/pamj.supp.2017.27.3.11371

Abstract

Pivoting from polio eradication to measles and rubella elimination: a transition that makes sense both for children and immunization program improvement

Highlights

Why not take advantage of the experience and infrastructure developed to eradicate polio to pursue the elimination of measles and rubella, which is within our grasp [1, 2] ? The importance of eliminating measles, rubella and congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) is recognized globally
Given the visibility of birth defects caused by Zika virus, we need to remember that rubella virus is still the leading infectious disease cause of congenital birth defects (CRS) globally, and the unfinished agenda of preventing through rubella vaccination the >100,000 CRS cases per year still occurring worldwide [4, 5]
A recent external global review of the status of measles and rubella elimination, endorsed by WHO’s Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on immunization (SAGE), concluded that tremendous progress has been made toward both measles and rubella elimination since 2001 including significant gains during the period 2012-2015, but the initiative is not on track to achieve its ambitious goals by 2020 [7,8]

Summary

Introduction

Why not take advantage of the experience and infrastructure developed to eradicate polio to pursue the elimination of measles and rubella, which is within our grasp [1, 2] ? The importance of eliminating measles, rubella and congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) is recognized globally. Under 5 years of age by increasing vaccination coverage to levels needed to end vaccine preventable disease (VPD) deaths in children [9].

Results

Conclusion