Tag: measles

THE UK has lost its measles elimination status

At its 14th meeting, the European Regional Verification Commission for Measles and Rubella Elimination (RVC) emphasized that measles and rubella elimination and verification remain priorities for the WHO European Region and globally.

Based on reports submitted for 2024 and previous years, the RVC concluded that: 

• 32 (60%) Member States provided evidence to demonstrate the elimination of endemic measles (interruption for at least 36 months) and 49 (92%) to demonstrate the elimination of endemic rubella, and 32 (60%) Member States provided evidence of the elimination of both measles and rubella; 
• one Member State interrupted measles transmission for 12 months;  
• 13 (25%) Member States were considered endemic for measles; 
• 6 (11%) Member States were considered to have re-established measles transmission; and
• the rubella elimination status of 3 (6%) Member States is subject to the provision of additional data. 

The RVC noted with concern the loss of measles elimination status in some Member States, including some with high-performing immunization programmes. The situation in 2024 highlighted the urgent need for increased political and financial commitment from countries and international organizations.

Considering the vast majority of reported cases were among unimmunized individuals, the RVC reiterated that to achieve measles and rubella elimination, as recommended by WHO, sustained coverage of at least 95% with 2 doses of measles- and rubella-containing vaccines is needed.

The RVC encouraged all Member States to increase activities to achieve sufficient immunization coverage and close all remaining immunity gaps, focusing especially on vulnerable and hard-to-reach populations. The RVC also encouraged all Member States to enhance surveillance systems to improve case detection and capture more epidemiological and laboratory data to allow adequate analysis and the identification of transmission chains and outbreak sources.

The RVC is also concerned with the absence of the timely detection of and adequate immunization response to measles outbreaks, which are critical to stop measles virus transmission once the virus has been imported into a population with susceptible individuals.

The further building of response capacities, and understanding of the consequences if adequate response measures, including immunization, are not taken on time, must be priorities for health systems and decision-makers in all Member States. 

The 14th RVC meeting report, including the full text of conclusions and recommendations, is pending publication.

Table: RVC conclusions on measles and rubella elimination status per Member State for 2024

UKHSA responds to the confirmation from @WHO that the UK has lost its measles elimination status: