Measles Deaths On Decline Around The World

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A new report released by the World Health Organization amongst other groups finds that the number of measles deaths are on the decline world wide.
The report finds that currently there are approximately 200,000 deaths world wide each year due to measles, with measles deaths dropping by 74% from 2000 to 2007.
The area of the world home to the largest reduction of measles deaths is Africa, where an 89% reduction in measles deaths were reported over the 7 year time frame.
Measles deaths reported in the countries of Afghanistan, Pakistan and Somalia, fell by up to 90 percent.
Despite the sharp reduction in measles deaths, the virus continues to kill more than 500 children each and every day.
Ann Veneman, executive director of UNICEF, said: “The progress that has been made shows what can be achieved through measles vaccination campaigns, but much more needs to be done.”
The report can be found in the publications of the CDC and WHO