Thank UNICEF for Helping to Reduce Worldwide Measles Deaths

Measles deaths have fallen by 60 percent worldwide (largely in Africa) since 1999 - incredible public health success! According to the World Health Organization, global measles deaths fell from an estimated 873,000 deaths in 1999 to 345,000 in 2005. Hundreds of thousands of lives have been saved.

The reduction in measles deaths is due in large part to support from the Measles Initiative, which was spearheaded by UNICEF and other organizations.

The initiative mobilized more than US $300 million to support campaigns working to increase the numbers of children vaccinated early in life. Between 1999 and 2005, more than 360 million children across the world received a measles shot as part of mass vaccination efforts.

The fight is not over yet, but this is one victory that deserves a big round of applause! Show UNICEF your appreciation by signing this thank you petition.