Measles and Other Childhood Diseases
The so-called childhood diseases of measles, pertussis (whooping cough), tetanus, and diphtheria are responsible for a little less than a million deaths per year. Of these diseases, measles takes the greatest toll. Fortunately, all of these diseases are preventable through inexpensive vaccines. Typically a child will receive one vaccine for measles and once vaccine for the other three diseases combined.
Very recently, there has been great success with measles vaccinations. Between 2001 and 2005, the Measles Initiative, an international partnership backed by a number of organizations and individuals, vaccinated some 200 million children in poor countries. This cut the number of measles deaths by more than half.
At a cost of less than $1 per measles vaccination, this program shows how a relatively small amount of funding can make a huge difference in lives saved. There is no reason that this program cannot be extended to vaccinate all of the children who need it, provided enough funding is available.
Sources: UNICEF, American Red Cross, World Health Organization (WHO).
Note: The map display above is representational only and does not show the names and faces of real people. The photographs are computer composites of multiple individuals.