Measles control and elimination in the European Region : report on a WHO consultation, Copenhagen, Denmark 19-20 November 1996

Abstract

The elimination of measles from the Region is clearly feasible, and in some countries has already been achieved. Failure to control measles results from a lack of political will, a belief that the disease is not serious, and inadequate control strategies. The key to elimination is not a single dose of vaccine alone, but ensuring that the number of susceptible individuals is kept below the level required to sustain transmission. This goal needs to be promoted widely by all Member States and the Regional Office, and national and regional plans of action should be developed. Surveillance must be strengthened to include serological surveillance, monitoring of adverse effects and - where the incidence is below 1 per 100 000 population - laboratory investigation of all suspected cases. A laboratory network to support measles elimination should be established. Member States should carry out economic evaluations and mathematical modelling of the impact of control and elimination strategies