MEASLES is one of the most contagious diseases known today, and it poses a serious threat to the
health of the public. Although a Measles vaccine was developed in 1967 to help prevent the spread
of this disease, it is still a leading cause of death among young children throughout the world, and it
caused nearly 540 deaths every day in 2007 (World Health Organization).  Many of these deaths
occur in developing countries where vaccines are unavailable due to money, access, etc.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    The Measles Initiative was formed in 2001 to reduce the number of Measles deaths globally each
year by providing technical and financial assistance to governments and communities for vaccination
campaigns. It is a partnership between the American Red Cross, the United Nations Foundations, the
United States Center for Disease Control and Prevention, UNICEF, and the World Health Organization. 
This program helped an estimated 478 million children receive the Measles vaccination between 2000
and 2006 which has reduced the number of Measles-related deaths by 68% globally.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        In 2006, there were still more than 26 million one-year old children worldwide that did not receive
the Measles vaccination; therefore, there is still more work that needs to be done.  It costs only
$1 to immunize a child against the Measles.

YouTube Measles               Measles Iniative Statement              Key Statistics on Measles

Advocate Video                   on Recent US Outbreak                      from Measles Iniative

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