Challenges towards global measles and rubella elimination

Abstract

Measles and rubella are two vaccine-preventable viral diseases. Vaccination with the measles and rubella containing vaccines (MMR) has significantly reduced the incidence of these diseases, but measles remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Eliminating these diseases requires maintaining high levels of immunity in the population and a comprehensive approach to vaccination programs and primary health care. The WHO has established strategic plans for the elimination of measles and rubella, achieving significant progress in vaccination coverage and reducing cases and deaths. Although vaccination is a highly effective public health intervention, vaccine hesitancy has increased in recent years due to several factors, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic. Pressure from anti-vaccine movements on social media, psychological stress, mental health issues, and a lack of education among health professionals are some of the factors contributing to this hesitancy. To address this problem, which the WHO identified as one of the world's top public health challenges in 2019, a comprehensive and coordinated approach involving all sectors of society is needed to achieve the goal of global elimination.