Maldives among first to eradicate Rubella, Measles in South East Asia

The Maldives and Sri Lanka have become the first two countries in the South East Asia region to fully eradicate Measles and Rubella., World Health Organization (WHO) has announced.

The announcement was made during an online meeting of WHO’s Southeast Asia Regional Verification Commission for Measles and Rubella Elimination.

The Commission is formed of 11 public health experts. Monitoring conducted within the community that results in the lack of cases for three years, allows the Commission to make such a declaration.

The Maldives and Sri Lanka reached the targets quicker than the targeted year of 2023.

The Maldives was previously designated as a Measles free country only for a case to pop up in January. Health Ministry later announced that 12 infections of the virus were identified in late February.

A massive vaccination campaign was commenced by the authorities regarding the two diseases.

The Maldives also received an award for controlling the Congenital Rubella Syndrome and Rubella as well.

Vaccination programs were commenced targeted towards eradicating communicable diseases in the Maldives in 1976, while Measles programs were commenced in 1983.