Measles deaths in Africa plummet by 91 per cent – UN

Deaths from measles in Africa have dropped by 91 per cent – or from an estimated 396,000 to 36,000 – between 2000 and 2006, thus achieving the United Nations goal to cut measles deaths by 90 per cent four years early, it was announced today.

The extraordinary successes in Africa are thanks to national governments' firm commitment to fully implement the measles reduction strategy, including vaccinating all children before their first birthday and providing a second opportunity to be vaccinated through mass campaigns, the Initiative said. (UN News Centre)