"Beating measles" is the central theme of the IVB stand at the 60th World Health Assembly
The achievement of the 2005 measles mortality reduction goal and the 2010 goal are the central theme of the exhibition "Beating Measles" of the Department of Immunization, Vaccines and Biologicals (IVB) at the 60th World Health Assembly that takes place in Geneva from 14 to 23 May 2007.
The IVB stand includes panels that show the reduction of measles mortality and lives saved looking at three key years: 1999, 2005 and 2010. While 2400 people died as a result of measles every day in 1999, in 2010, deaths per day are expected to number about 220.The theme links the scientific data published in The Lancet to saving lives on a daily basis. Lives saved and lost were represented by over 12 000 drawings from the You Draw web site (http://www.youdraw.com). Each of the three red bars contains a number of drawings that is equivalent to the number of measles deaths per day that year. The visual display was supplemented by various documents produced by IVB, including documents related to the Global Immunization Vision and Strategy and immunization financing.
During the World Health Assembly a progress report on reducing global measles mortality will be discussed by delegates. The next ambitious measles goal - a 90% reduction of measles deaths in 2010 (compared to 2000) - will require strong political commitment and continuing support from international partners. Nearly US$ 200 million has been raised, but approximately US$ 280 million is still needed to reach this realistic goal. During the Assembly, a special reception will be organized to honour countries for the outstanding achievement of the measles mortality reduction goal and to rally support for the new goal.