World Health Organization (WHO) has attributed the elimination of measles from the Maldives ahead of the 2020 regional target, to the importance given by the Maldivian government and citizens, to attain the goal.
Measles elimination and rubella control by 2020 has been one of WHO South-East Asia Region's flagship priority programs. 11 countries have set the target to eliminate measles by 2020.
The measles elimination and rubella control strategy in WHO South-East Asia Region is based on four key approaches achieving and maintaining at least 95% vaccination coverage with two doses of measles and rubella vaccine through routine and supplementary immunization; developing and sustaining a sensitive case based surveillance that meets recommended performance indicators; developing and maintaining an accredited measles and rubella laboratory network; and strengthening support and linkages for these strategies.
After reaching all these milestones, Maldives has now become one of the first countries to eliminate measles. World Health Organization (WHO), noted the prudence shown by relevant authorities in executing the program and applauded the National Vaccination Camp.
In an exclusive interview with PSM News, WHO Representative to the Republic of Maldives, Dr. Arvind Mathur attributed the elimination of measles from the Maldives ahead of the 2020 regional target, to the importance given by the Maldivian government and citizens, to attain the goal. He said that now, Maldives faces the task of sustaining this status. He noted that the government is well prepared for the challenge. He said that the government has already formulated relevant policies and action plans to tackle the task.
Maldives has not reported any case of indigenous measles since 2009.