What CRS really means for families
Japan is facing the biggest rubella outbreak in a decade right now, and has recorded more than 5,000 rubella cases from January to April. In Wales, which is suffering a large measles outbreak, public health officials are warning about the potential for a rubella outbreak given about 38,000 people have not had their measles-mumps-rubella jab. … Continue reading
50 years: measles vaccine protects multiple millions
In this age of next-generation smartphones and tablets, how many 50-year old inventions are still relevant? The measles vaccine was licensed half a century ago in the United States. Today it’s used in every single country of the world, and about 110 million babies receive their first dose by the time they turn one. Tens … Continue reading
New Measles & Rubella Initiative 2012 Annual Report & Outbreak Fund
Quick look: The Measles & Rubella Initiative Annual Report 2012 Dear Friends, As we embark on World Immunization Week 2013, we’re reminded of the successes and potential benefits of immunization, and of the tremendous work we still have before us. Within the broader immunization agenda, the world has made firm commitments to reduce measles deaths, and … Continue reading
Rwanda will protect almost 5 million against measles and rubella this week
Rwanda’s measles-rubella vaccination campaign, which is being launched today, is the beginning of an effort to vaccinate more than 700 million children under 15 years of age against two disabling and deadly diseases. The combined measles-rubella vaccine will be introduced in 49 countries by 2020 thanks to financial support from the GAVI Alliance. The support … Continue reading
Inspired leadership for measles & rubella elimination
We can “literally change the fate of millions of children around the world,” said Gail McGovern, as she opened the Measles & Rubella Initiative’s Partnership meeting in Washington D.C on September 18th. The President and CEO of the American Red Cross went on to praise the strategy to combat two diseases – measles and rubella – … Continue reading
Introducing Robert Kezaala, Head of Measles & Rubella, UNICEF
Through his work in EPI, measles and polio, Dr. Robert Kezaala is well known to many in the field of immunization. Unicef recently welcomed him as head of its measles and rubella programme, where he’ll be working closely with partners of the Measles & Rubella Initiative. Before his Unicef appointment Robert served as a Medical … Continue reading
Ghana introduces 2nd routine measles dose for children
Ghana introduced a second dose of measles into its routine immunization program on 1 February, through support from the GAVI Alliance. Ghana is amongst the first African countries to introduce a 2nd measles dose, also known as “MCV2”. The WHO Ghana’s Stanley Diamenu describes the steps Ghana took to prepare for this important change to … Continue reading
Stop Measles, Rubella & Congenital Rubella Syndrome 