Maldives eliminates measles

Commending the “momentous public health achievement,”  WHO Regional Director Dr Poonam Khetrapal Singh said both countries have “demonstrated how a highly contagious virus like measles can be eliminated.”

“The strongest political commitment, alongside the concerted efforts of health workers, officials and partners at all levels, has helped achieve this landmark success, which is a boost to the region’s effort to eliminate measles and control rubella,” she said.

“Both countries achieved and maintained high coverage of measles vaccination, despite geographical challenges. They also established strong laboratory-supported surveillance for measles, and have conducted detailed case investigation and tracking, right up to the very last case.”