Measles Initiative
Issue Area: Children’s Health
Since 2001, the Measles Initiative—a partnership led by the American Red Cross, UNICEF, the UN Foundation, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization—has helped reduce measles deaths by 68 percent worldwide and 91 percent in Africa (compared to 2000 rates). Working closely with national governments and local communities, the partnership has supported the vaccination of more than 500 million children in nearly 70 countries.
In response to an expected funding gap in 2009, we are jointly committing with the Vodafone Foundation $6 million over three years to support continued vaccination efforts. The funding will bolster childhood immunizations worldwide, helping the Initiative to reach the United Nations’ goal of reducing measles deaths globally by 90 percent by 2010.
RELATED CAMPAIGNS
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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.
