Worldwide Measles deaths decreased by more than half

From UNICEF, NEW YORK, USA, 18 January 2007- There has been an unprecedented decline in the number of child deaths from measles, thanks to a worldwide initiative to combat the disease, the Measles Initiative partnership announced today. “Reducing measles deaths by 60 per cent in just five years is an incredible achievement,� said UNICEF Executive Director Ann M. Veneman. “Immunizing children is clearly saving lives and contributing to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals. "