Strategy Towards Measles Elimination. Progress in the English-Speaking Caribbean Countries.

Abstract

The strategy currently used to control and eliminate measles was reviewed on the basis of the achievement in Americas, especially in the English-speaking Caribbean countries. The author participated in one phase of the strategy; measles follow-up immunization campaign in Belize, and reviewed the achievement of the campaign. Several factors were identified as important factors for the success of mass immunization campaign. According to the review and experience of the strategy and its practice for measles elimination in the Americas, the author discussed the importance of political commitment, enthusiastic community's participation and establishment of effective surveillance system for the success of measles elimination program. Although there are still several obstacles for the development of the measles elimination program to other regions, the most important components are the strong political commitment in each country and international cooperation financially and technically. On this point of view, Japan is able to play an important roll towards measles elimination in Asia.