Reducing Measles Mortality
Measles
The Measles Initiative is a partnership led by the American Red Cross, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, UN Foundation, UNICEF and the World Health Organization (WHO). Launched in 2001, the Measles Initiative provides technical and financial support to governments and communities on vaccination campaigns in all regions of the world. To date, the Initiative has supported the vaccination of more than 372 million children helping to reduce measles deaths by more than 60 percent globally (compared to 1999). 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 (compared to 1999).
Now, the Initiative is focusing on an ambitious new goal of lowering measles deaths worldwide by 90 percent by 2010. To reach this goal, the Initiative is supporting follow-up campaigns in Africa to vaccinate the children born since the initial vaccination campaigns, along with first-time vaccination campaigns in countries where the measles burden remains high. To learn more or make a donation, visit www.measlesinitiative.org.
STORIES OF IMPACT
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Video: Creator of the Measles Vaccine Describes Impact
Area of Involvement: Children’s Health
Dr. Samuel Katz and his team developed the measles vaccine now used globally. He recounts his experiences battling a disease that affected millions worldwide.
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Challenges Remain After Haiti Earthquake, But the UN is Still There
Area of Involvement: Women & Population; Technology; UN-US Relations; Children’s Health
It’s been six months since the devastating 7.0-magnitude earthquake in Haiti, and while much remains to be accomplished, progress has been made through the efforts of UN agencies and our partners since January 12.
RESOURCES
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Celebrate, Innovate and Sustain: Toward 2015 and Beyond - The United States' Strategy for Meeting the UN Millennium Development Goals
Issue Area: Children’s Health
Issue Area: Climate & Energy
Issue Area: Sustainable Development
Issue Area: Technology
Issue Area: UN-US Relations
Issue Area: Women & Population
Obama Administration officials unveiled the U.S. Government’s strategy for advancing the Millennium Development Goals on July 30, 2010, with an emphasis on innovative and sustainable approaches to the world’s most urgent challenges, during a high-level working session hosted by the United Nations Foundation.
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Nothing But Nets 2008 Report
Issue Area: Children’s Health
In 2008, supporters of the Nothing But Nets campaign have saved millions of lives. With the funds raised, the life-saving bed nets distributed, the number of supporters reached, and the raised profile of malaria, 2008 proved to be a successful year for Nothing But Nets and, ultimately, the global effort to prevent malaria.
