Impact of Alternative Approaches to Accelerated Measles Control: Experience in the African Region, 1996–2002

From 1996 to 2000, several African countries accelerated measles control by providing a second opportunity for measles vaccine through supplemental campaigns. Fifteen countries completed campaigns in children aged 9 months to 14 years. Seven countries completed campaigns in children aged 9–59 months. In almost all countries that conducted campaigns in children aged 9 months to 14 years, measles deaths were reduced to near zero. In six countries, near‐zero measles mortality has been maintained for 4–6 years. Supplemental immunization in children