Measles deaths drop 74 percent in a decade, study shows Measles
deaths went down from 535,300 deaths in 2000 to 139,300 in 2010,
according to the study published in the April 24 issue of The
Lancet. Researchers looked at statistics from World Health
Organization (WHO) member states to determine rates. "A three-
quarters drop in measles deaths worldwide shows just how
effective well-run vaccination programs can be," Dr. Margaret
Chan, director-general of the WHO, said in a WHO press release.
"Now we need to take the next logical step and vaccinate
children against rubella, too." In 2010, about 85 percent of the
world's children received their first dose of the measles
vaccine, up from 72 percent in 2000. Thanks to vaccination
efforts, sub-Saharan Africa saw an 85 percent drop in measles
mortality. But, more work needs to be done. While measles-
related deaths went down more than three-quarters in almost all
regions, the WHO did not reach their goal of 90 percent
reduction in measles mortality in the time period.