Measles may not be a big deal in America... -

But it’s still a significant cause of death in many other countries. The good news is, the Red Cross is helping to kick measles to the curb with the Measles Initiative. Take a look at the official stats we just got on the project. This is what I call progress!

3.6 million lives have been saved largely through the ongoing work of the Measles Initiative. Annual measles deaths fell worldwide by 74% between 2000 and 2007, from an estimated 750,000 deaths to 197,000. In addition, the Eastern Mediterranean region,* which includes Afghanistan, Pakistan, Somalia and the Sudan, 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.

Of course, there’s a lot more work to do. And, of course, you can help.

If you happen to be under the age of 25, consider joining our youth council. They do tons of fun events and fundraising for the Measles Initiative. But don’t worry. Even if you’re not a youth, you can still help. Visit www.measlesinitiative.org to learn more.

[Edit: Thanks to the commenter who pointed out my clumsy fingers’ typo in the headline. It’s now changed.]

3 comments

Anonymous says:

December 8, 2008 at 9:48 pm

maeasles?
Robin Parker says:

December 8, 2008 at 10:24 pm

Eek, typo! I fixed it now.

Thanks for catching it!
Nate Warren says:

December 19, 2008 at 5:34 pm

I think this is especially incredible because much of the effort came from volunteers going door-to-door to educate and personally convince individuals to immunize! what an awesome, effective campaign.

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