The World Health Organization (WHO) South-East Asia Region announced today that North Korea (DPR Korea) and Timor-Leste were verified for eliminating measles.
According to WHO, elimination of measles is achieved when the country interrupts transmission of indigenous virus for over three years.
Based on an in-depth review of the data and reports provided by national verification committees, the Commission verified that both DPR Korea and Timor-Leste have interrupted transmission of indigenous measles for more than three years.
Last year Bhutan and Maldives became the first two countries in the Region to eliminate measles. With today’s announcements, four of the 11 member countries of WHO South-East Asia have now eliminated measles.
Dr Poonam Khetrapal Singh, Regional Director WHO South-East Asia said, “We are moving towards a brighter and healthier future for all – one that is free of vaccine preventable diseases and the unnecessary death and suffering they cause”.
However, we need to further intensify our efforts, Dr Khetrapal Singh said, adding, “measles moves fast, we need to move faster to protect our children against its severe consequences”.
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