The case for global measles eradication.

The global eradication of measles is desirable because the disease occurs almost universally, affects large numbers of children, can cause serious complications, and is responsible for about 900 000 deaths a year in developing countries. The feasibility of a measles eradication programme is suggested by the success of smallpox eradication, the availability of a heat-stable, cheap, and effective vaccine, and the fact that interruption of measles transmission has been achieved in some places. Eradication of measles globally would also result in the saving of the large sums of money being spent on measles treatment, vaccination, and surveillance.