SUCCESSES AND FAILURES IN MEASLES CONTROL

The Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) of the World Health Organ ization has a global target of reducing measles incidence by 90% and m ortality by 95% from pre-EPI levels by 1995. Both developed and develo ping countries that have given priority to measles control have substa ntially reduced measles morbidity and mortality, and some have come cl ose to eliminating measles. A variety of vaccination schedules and str ategies have been used, which reflect the differing program goals, hea lth services infrastructure, and availability of resources in differen t countries. Failure to control measles has usually been due to a fail ure to implement planned strategies adequately. The highest priority i n measles control is to assist countries, especially the lowest-income countries, to implement vaccination programs more effectively.