The Measles & Rubella Initiative Welcomes World Health Assembly Commitment

The global partnership committed to the elimination of measles, rubella and congenital rubella syndrome applauds today’s global pledge to meet measles and rubella elimination goals. One hundred and ninety-four countries resolved their commitment to achieving these goals in the context of a new Global Vaccines Action Plan (GVAP) endorsed today by the World Health Assembly. The GVAP aims to prevent more than 20 million deaths over the next decade by increasing access to vaccines for all people. The plan is the result of world-wide collaboration and consultation of more than 1,000 immunization experts from 140 countries. Its goals include reducing measles-related deaths by 95% by 2015 and eliminating measles and rubella in at least five of six World Health Organization (WHO) Regions by 2020. “Today 194 countries have made a fundamental commitment to bring the benefit of vaccination to every person, no matter who they are or where they live.” said Andrea...