International Services

Global Measles Deaths Drop by 74%

WASHINGTON, Thursday, December 04, 2008 — Measles deaths worldwide fell by 74% between 2000 and 2007, from an estimated 750 000 to 197 000. In addition, the Eastern Mediterranean region* which includes countries such as Afghanistan, Pakistan, Somalia, and the Sudan has cut measles deaths by a remarkable 90% — from an estimated 96 000 to 10 000 — during the same period, thus achieving the United Nations goal to reduce measles deaths by 90% by 2010, three years early. Read More»

Winston's Measles Initiative

Six-year-old Winston Roberts chose the Measles Initiative for his "Bless It Forward Project" at his church, First Presbyterian of Pascagoula. The church gave each school-aged child $50 to help someone else during the 40-day Lenten Season. Winston gave a presentation to grades kindergarten through fifth grade at his school in Gautier, College Park Elementary. He told them about the disease measles and what it does to children in Africa who cannot afford vaccinations. Through the Measles Initiative, led by the American Red Cross, a dollar buys one shot per child. Winston challenged his schoolmates and the Pascagoula Rotary to help him save lives. This second grader turned his $50 into $901. Find out how you can help prevent measles and malaria by clicking here.