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Measles, a highly infectious vaccine-preventable disease, remains one of the leading causes of childhood mortality, leading to an estimated 450 deaths each day worldwide. Rubella is an infection that is usually mild when experienced in childhood, but it can often lead to serious and sometimes fatal complications in the fetus when an unprotected woman acquires the infection early in pregnancy (congenital rubella infection) or to congenital rubella syndrome in newborns.

Measles, rubella and congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) are preventable through immunization, and all countries in the WHO European Region use highly effective and safe measles and rubella vaccines.

WHO/Europe places a very high priority on measles elimination. It urges Member States to remain vigilant and take appropriate action to help achieve the Regional goal to eliminate measles and rubella by 2015. To achieve elimination, political and social commitment is required to increase and sustain high immunization coverage among children and, where necessary, reduce susceptibility among older age groups.