WASHINGTON — Worldwide deaths from measles have fallen by two- thirds since 2000, the result of stepped-up immunization efforts and the distribution of vitamin A capsules in developing countries, a partnership of five health organizations said Thursday.
Africa, which has long had the most measles deaths, has seen the biggest drop, 91 percent. In many villages, measles shots, polio vaccine, de worming pills and insecticide-treated mosquito nets for malaria prevention are all being given out together.
Measles mortality has fallen less steeply in India and Pakistan, but campaigns are now starting there.
Worldwide, measles-vaccine coverage has gone from 72 to 80 percent — an unprecedented high. Coverage among U.S. kindergartners last year was 96 percent.
