Progress toward interrupting indigenous measles transmission--region of the Americas, January 1999-September 2000.

This report summarizes the measles control strategies implemented by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) in countries situated in the Region of the Americas. A three-part vaccination strategy for interrupting indigenous measles transmission was recommended by PAHO. These include: 1) a one-time nationwide "catch-up" campaign targeting all persons aged 1-14 years; 2) routine "keep-up" vaccination among 1-year-olds; and 3) nationwide "follow-up" campaigns conducted every 4 years targeting all children of 41 countries in the region. Moreover 39 of 41 countries in the regions conducted catch-up campaigns during 1989-95 follow-up campaigns since 1994 and routine keep-up coverage increased from 80% in 1994 to 91% in 1999. Overall the PAHO measles control strategies have made important progress in suppressing measles transmission. Moreover dedicated health care personnel resources and political support have intensified the success.