Combining global elimination of measles and rubella with strengthening of health systems in developing countries

The detection of H1N1 influenza virus in Mexico in 2009, and subsequently throughout other countries in the Americas, benefited from the laboratory experience with measles and rubella in the region…. [leading to] the rapid detection of and response to what eventually became a novel pandemic virus.

The American Academy of Pediatrics and the International Pediatric Association were included as partners in the measles and rubella elimination initiative, allowing for more direct collaboration around the interactions of primary health and immunization services and concerns.

In the Americas, a platform built to secure polio eradication has been expanded to help track, control, prevent and monitor immunization impact for measles and rubella. In India, highly trained polio health workers have become the basis for a trained workforce working towards the elimination of measles and rubella and helping ensure India’s certification by WHO for having eliminated maternal and neonatal tetanus.

Mothers infected with rubella virus during the first trimester of pregnancy can give birth to children with permanent disabilities such as intellectual impairment, autism, blindness, deafness and cardiac defects. The infection is completely preventable if mothers are vaccinated before pregnancy.