SAGE endorses Midterm Review of the Global Measles and Rubella Strategic Plan 2012-2020

The Strategic Advisory Group of Experts (SAGE) on Immunization met in Geneva, October 18 to 20, 2016. As part of its intensive three day agenda, SAGE reviewed the independent report presented by Dr. Walt Orenstein, Professor of Medicine at Emory University and Chair of the Midterm Review panel.

Measles mortality has dropped by 79% between 2000 and 2014 with an estimated 17.1 million lives saved through measles vaccination during this same time period. Despite these significant advances, the Midterm Review found the strategies articulated in the Global Measles and Rubella Strategic Plan 2012-2020 have not been fully implemented due to lack of country ownership and global political will as reflected in insufficient resources.

The report also recommends an increased focus with improving immunization systems in general to ensure that the gains made thus far in measles and rubella control can be sustained.

The Measles & Rubella Partnership welcomes this review and continues to work with partners, stakeholders and countries to push measles and rubella elimination activities towards 2020 goals and beyond. Our focus continues to be on increasing resources and ensuring technical work continues apace to ensure that recommendations from the review can be incorporated towards the global elimination of measles and rubella.

The Midterm Review report is available here.

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SAGE is the principal advisory group to WHO for vaccines and immunization, providing guidance on global policies and strategies.