Measles and rubella elimination (Resolution)

WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION ORGANISATION MONDIALE DE LA SANTÉ R E S O L U T I O N REGIONAL COMMITTEE FOR THE WESTERN PACIFIC COMITE RÉGIONAL DU PACIFIQUE OCCIDENTAL WPR/RC68.R1 11 October 2017 MEASLES AND RUBELLA ELIMINATION The Regional Committee, Recalling Regional Committee resolutions: endorsing the Western Pacific Regional Plan of Action for Measles Elimination and the Western Pacific Regional Plan to Improve Hepatitis B Control through Immunization (WPR/RC54.R3); deciding that the Region should aim to eliminate measles by 2012 (WPR/RC56.R8); reaffirming the commitment to eliminate measles and accelerate rubella control in the Region (WPR/RC61.R7); and endorsing the Regional Framework for Implementation of the Global Vaccine Action Plan in the Western Pacific (WPR/RC65.R5), which specifies rubella elimination as one of eight regional immunization goals; Noting that the commitment and collective efforts of all Member States and partners enabled the Region to achieve historically low measles incidence in 2012; Noting with satisfaction that two countries in the Region were verified as having achieved measles and rubella elimination in 2017, and another four countries and two areas have maintained measles elimination; .../ WPR/RC68.R1 page 2 Fully aware that the recent measles resurgence and large-scale outbreaks in several countries of the Region were caused by residual immunity gaps among different age groups and accumulations of susceptible children; Deeply concerned that the risk of congenital rubella syndrome has been increasing significantly in several countries of the Region; Emphasizing that elimination of rubella by interrupting circulation of rubella virus is the best way to prevent congenital rubella syndrome; Recognizing that surveillance and outbreak response components of measles and rubella elimination and vigilance after elimination correspond to core capacities under the International Health Regulations (2005); Noting that the Technical Advisory Group on Immunization and Vaccine-Preventable Diseases in the Western Pacific Region recommended in June 2017 that Member States set a regional target year for rubella elimination to help build political will and to support a synchronized effort across the Region; Acknowledging challenges that Member States can face in achieving and maintaining measles and rubella elimination; Having reviewed Measles and Rubella Elimination in the Western Pacific: Regional Strategy and Plan of Action, .../ WPR/RC68.R1 page 3 1. DECIDES that all Member States in the Region aim to eliminate rubella as soon as possible and establish a target year for each country or area, based on country or area context; 2. ENDORSES Measles and Rubella Elimination in the Western Pacific: Regional Strategy and Plan of Action; 3. URGES Member States: (1) to develop or update national strategies and plans of action relating to measles and rubella elimination, in accordance with the Regional Strategy and Plan of Action, taking into consideration individual country contexts; (2) to ensure adequate technical and financial resources are available for the implementation of national strategies and plans of action for measles and rubella elimination; (3) to ensure that measles and rubella immunization services reach all who need them so that no one is left behind; 4. REQUESTS the Regional Director: (1) to provide technical support for Member States to update or develop and implement national strategies and plans of action for measles and rubella elimination, including through strengthening core capacities under the International Health Regulations (2005); .../ WPR/RC68.R1 page 4 (2) to advocate and enhance international collaboration for measles and rubella elimination; (3) to report progress periodically on target dates for elimination of rubella, including a possible regional target year, and on the implementation of the Measles and Rubella Elimination in the Western Pacific: Regional Strategy and Plan of Action. Fourth meeting, 11 October 2017