A significant milestone in the global effort to eliminate measles has been reached: the Measles Initiative has immunized its one billionth child.
Ten years ago, the United Nations Foundation, the American Red Cross, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, UNICEF and the World Health Organization formed a partnership committed to reducing measles deaths globally: The Measles Initiative.
In 1980, measles was one of the most deadly childhood diseases. In fact, it caused an estimated 2.6 million deaths each year. Thanks to governments, the United Nations, and the Measles Initiative, this is no longer the case.
Measles mortality has decreased by an impressive 78 percent worldwide. The decline in measles-related deaths – from an estimated 733,000 deaths in 2000 to 164,000 in 2008 – accounts for nearly a quarter of the overall decrease in childhood mortality.
With support coming from all corners of the world, the Measles Initiative has stopped outbreaks, improved treatment, and protected one billion children from one of the deadliest diseases. This is incredible progress and shows what we can accomplish with continued commitment to helping the next billion children live healthier lives.
Every hour, nearly 300 children around the world die of diseases – like measles – that could easily have been prevented with vaccines. By expanding access to vaccines around the world, we can help give the next billion children a chance at a healthy and happy life.