Abstract
Measles remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, with an estimated 9.7 million cases and more than 140,000 measles-related deaths in 2018. It is one of the most contagious diseases and requires maintaining high population immunity to prevent outbreaks. Measles outbreaks can serve as a tracer indicator (a sort of “canary in the coal mine”) of health inequities and can help identify gaps in immunisation programmes and primary health care (PHC) systems.
Rubella remains endemic in many countries, and congenital rubella syndrome (CRS), which has long-term health consequences, continues to be reported.
The Global Measles and Rubella Strategic Plan 2012–2020 (MRSP 2012–2020) rallied efforts to protect and improve the lives of children throughout the world through the control of measles and rubella.
Although important progress was made, several contextual changes and implementation challenges impeded progress and contributed to an increasing number of outbreaks and a resurgence in measles cases.