Measles is a serious, highly contagious disease. As many as 10 per cent of people with measles will die if they do not receive adequate medical attention. Although measles vaccination coverage has significantly increased in the past few years, outbreaks remain a threat as long as coverage does not reach at least 95 per cent.

Along with ensuring effective delivery of regular immunisation efforts, it is crucial that responses to new outbreaks are appropriately implemented. For example, populations at risk need to be informed, potential barriers to accessing healthcare must be lifted, adequate supplies of medical material must be ensured, and reactive vaccination campaigns must be organised – taking special consideration to populations that are not usually covered by immunisation activities. It is also important to have surveillance systems in place, to ensure that cases are speedily reported and controlled.