A simple vaccination saves millions of lives

Measles is one of the most contagious diseases in children. A simple vaccination costing less than one US dollar can prevent cases and deaths in children. In 1999, more than one million children died from measles. With the inauguration of the Measles Initiative in 2001, there have been dramatic decreases in childhood deaths globally.

From 1 million deaths annually in 1999, fewer than 450,000 in 2004 and decreasing rapidly with more nationwide vaccination campaigns completed in 2005 and 2006. More information on the dramatic reduction of childhood deaths is available in the International Federation’s 2008 document "Partnering for community impact".

Zambia: vaccinating saves lives A child in Zambia is vaccinated against measles. A simple vaccination costing less than one US dollar can prevent cases and deaths in children.

Building a partnership: the Measles Initiative

Launched in February 2001, the Measles Initiative is a long-term commitment to prevent childhood deaths by vaccinating more than 350 million children and decreasing childhood deaths by more than 80% by 2015. This effort alone is expected to contribute significantly to achieving the Millenium Development Goal – Reducing childhood deaths by two-thirds by 2015.

Leading this effort is the American Red Cross, the United Nations Foundation, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), UNICEF, and WHO. Other key partners are the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, The Church of Jesus Christ and Latter Day Saints, the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI) and countries and governments affected by measles. For more information about the Measles Initiative log on to www.measlesinitiative.org

The International Federation’s role

The International Federation’s annual measles appeals provide funds to enable National Societies to participate in their national vaccination campaigns which occur once every three years. Since 2001, more than 3 million Swiss francs have enabled 40 National Societies to support campaigns with 80,000 Red Cross and Red Crescent volunteers. By the end of 2006, these campaigns reached more than 240 million children.

The vital role of our volunteers Since 2001, more than 80,000 Red Cross Red Crescent volunteers have helped their National Societies run measles vaccination campaigns. By the end of 2006, these campaigns reached more than 240 million children.

Reports and publications

	Partnering for community impact - the incredible reduction in measles mortality and overcoming the last barriers to polio eradication, 2000-2007 report (1.8 Mb, 52 pages)
	International Federation Measles and Polio - Africa Health Initiative, Report 2006-2007 (233 Kb, 6 pages)
	National integrated child survival campaign follow-up survey, Sierra Leone, January 2007 (13 Mb, 6 pages)
	Global goal to reduce measles deaths in children surpassed: measles deaths fall by 60 per cent (Measles Initiative web site)
	Effects of Measles-Control Activities: African Region 1999-2005 (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, Centers for Disease and Control Prevention)
	Zambia case study - Integrated measles-malaria campaign, 2004 (545 kb, 22 pages)