Measles and Rubella Prevention

This initiative aims to increase survival and well-being of children aged 9 months to 5 years in 3 countries at high risk of measles outbreaks. The project seeks to increase the number of children currently receiving measles vaccines and introduce measles-rubella vaccines to reduce illness and death due to rubella. Measles is one of the most contagious diseases in the world and can cause serious illness life-long disability and death. The vast majority of these deaths occur in low-income countries with weak health infrastructure. With Canada’s support the GAVI Alliance aims to strengthen the ability of health care systems to deliver routine immunizations. The governments of recipient countries lead this initiative and define the exact set of activities to be undertaken in their own countries. Project activities include purchasing vaccines; purchasing injection and cold chain equipment (needed to keep vaccines temperature-controlled until they can be delivered); training health workers; and planning implementing and assessing vaccination coverage.

The expected intermediate outcomes for this project include: (i) increased country ownership and leadership of measles immunization activities; and (ii) strengthened health system for routine immunization in targeted countries.