Routine immunization is the backbone of public health, protecting children and communities from vaccine-preventable diseases through timely, reliable access to essential vaccines like measles and rubella. M&RP members partner with countries to strengthen these systems by funding vaccine introduction, supporting cold-chain and supply-chain improvements, training health workers, and helping countries build resilient, equitable programs that reach every child.
Measles and rubella vaccinations have saved millions of lives
Approximately 60 million children have been saved as a result of measles vaccination since 2000. M&RP continues to support countries in providing measles and rubella vaccines through:
- New vaccine technologies and innovations
- Coordinating high-quality vaccination campaigns to vaccinate children who have not received doses via the routine system
- Strengthening surveillance and laboratory capacity
- Providing timely resources and support to respond to outbreaks
- Achieving and sustaining regional measles and rubella elimination goals
Measles campaigns typically reach over 90 percent of all children
M&RP is helping countries reach the 95% coverage target, which is considered the threshold to get to elimination. M&RP supports countries to implement measles, and measles and rubella campaigns that millions of children each year with life-saving vaccines. The Partnership has found that high quality campaigns held before the start of a high transmission season for measles are much more effective.
Every child should receive two doses of measles and rubella-containing vaccine through routine services
In order to stop measles and rubella we have to know where the viruses are circulating. We do this through a Global Laboratory Network
The first signs of Measles and Rubella are symptoms of fever and rash. On sight, the two can be almost indistinguishable from one another and can also look like other diseases. Therefore it’s important that health workers take and send samples for laboratory confirmation.
The Global Measles and Rubella Laboratory Network supports measles and rubella control through regional and country training workshops, technical support in WHO regions and continued quality assurance activities involving the participating laboratories.
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