The measles virus remains one of the leading causes of death among young children globally. It is one of the world's most contagious human viruses, but it can be almost entirely prevented through vaccination. The rubella virus, considered the most common cause of preventable congenital birth defects, can also be prevented through vaccination.
“The measles and rubella campaign will move us not only one step closer to maintaining measles elimination and accelerating rubella control, but also a step closer to reducing child mortality across Pakistan. Every child has the right to access life-saving health care,” said Dr Palitha Mahipala, WHO Representative in Pakistan. “WHO is partnering with the Government of Pakistan and supports all efforts to ensure that all children are vaccinated against measles and rubella. The nationwide campaign will help to stop the current measles outbreak and WHO acknowledges the strong political commitment of the Government in eliminating measles benefit of Pakistan's children.”
Measles outbreaks occur when people who are not protected from the virus are infected and spread the disease to unvaccinated or under-vaccinated populations. To control measles and prevent outbreaks and deaths, vaccination coverage rates must reach 95% – the target of the campaign. Since 2000, measles vaccination is estimated to have saved more than 23 million lives globally.
Pakistan has demonstrated consistent strong political, as well as administrative, commitment towards strengthening and restoring immunization services across the country over the past years, with promising results. Targeting ‘zero-dose’ children, many born during the COVID-19 pandemic, is a priority to help ensure that vaccination is equitable for every child.
