In a special issue for Vaccines, experts call for greater focus and dedication to eradicating measles and rubella. “A World without Measles and Rubella: Meeting the Regional Elimination Targets on the Path to Global Eradication” includes the latest research and discussions on how to bring these diseases to an end, the effectiveness of vaccination campaigns, and the broader implications for global health. 

The special issue is edited by experts from the M&RP’s members, including the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO). It aims to highlight both the progress made and the remaining challenges in protecting children worldwide from the deadly threat of measles and rubella. It also explores advancements towards elimination in various WHO regions and examines the implications of measles resurgence, which can cause countries to lose their verification status. 

In addition to the topics explored in this special issue, it’s important to amplify the unique role community volunteers and civil society organizations (CSOs) play in eliminating both diseases. CSOs are vital in enhancing health systems and providing vaccination services in underserved regions. They also play a critical role in surveillance and reporting, often being the first to identify and respond to outbreaks in remote or underserved areas.

Volunteers, who often live and work in communities that are highly susceptible to outbreaks, are trusted members of their community and have a vested interest in protecting children from vaccine-preventable disease. 

By uniting efforts from our partners including governments, ministries of health, NGOs, civil society organizations, and community volunteers, we can push for a more targeted approach to eliminating measles and rubella. Together, we can harness our collective resources, expertise, and local knowledge to close vaccination gaps and strengthen health systems—ensuring every child has access to the life-saving vaccines they deserve.  

Vaccines is a monthly online journal reviewed by experts and available to everyone for free. It’s published by MDPI, a company supporting the academic community with open-access publishing since 1996. 

 

Featured image: ©UNICEF/U.S.CDC UN0828248/prinsloo