This campaign was led by the government of Indonesia, with financial and technical support from the Measles Initiative --- a partnership led by the American Red Cross, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, UN Foundation, UNICEF and the World Health Organization. Largely through the commitment of national governments and support from the Measles Initiative, measles deaths were reduced by more than 60 percent globally between 1999 and 2005. This surpassed the global goal of reducing measles deaths by more than 50 percent by 2005 (compared to 1999).
"This campaign offered not only a chance to protect children against measles, but other deadly conditions such as malaria and micro-nutrient deficiencies. In fact, this campaign was the first time for many families to receive a package of health services," said Dr. Gianfranco Rotigliano, UNICEF Country Representative. "It also shows that all sectors of the Indonesian government, the Measles Initiative, and other partners could work together to achieve a common goal in preventing the death of children."
In addition to measles vaccinations, over two million insecticide-treated nets were distributed in 27 high malaria endemic districts in eight provinces. Before the campaign, only 1.9 percent of children slept under the anti-malaria nets. Now, an estimated 80 percent of children are sleeping under the protective nets in these districts. More than 21 million children were vaccinated against polio. Since February 2006, no confirmed wild polio virus cases have been detected. By delivering multiple interventions at the same time, integrated campaigns are cost-effective and increase coverage rates to reach more children.
To support the measles vaccination campaign, training was provided to
middle-level managers and health workers, cold chain equipment in needy
health centres was improved and the monitoring system for management of
adverse events following immu
'/>"/>
| SOURCE American Red Cross Copyright©2007 PR Newswire. All rights reserved |