Eliminating Measles & Rubella & Preventing Congenital

Immunization saves lives, so strengthening national immunization systems is an important goal in the WHO European Region. The WHO Regional Office for Europe launched a strategic plan in 2002 to eliminate measles and prevent congenital rubella infection, and in 2005 expanded it to include the elimination of rubella as well. This report indicates that, by the progress already made, these objectives are possible. It identifies key strategies and actions for countries to adopt, and indicators to use to measure progress, if they want to meet the targets by 2010.