Measles Initiative
What is the Measles Initiative?
The Measles Initiative is a long-term commitment to control
measles deaths in Africa by vaccinating 200 million children through mass
immunization campaigns in up to 39 Sub-Saharan African countries. By the year 2005,
it is estimated that 1.2 million deaths will have been prevented, bringing measles
deaths in Africa to near zero. This goal is achievable but will require a sustained
effort to increase awareness and raise the necessary funds.
The Measles Initiative will have a profound impact on the health of all children in Africa.
Beyond the initial focus on Africa, Measles Initiative partners have agreed to consider a
global measles control initiative. If adopted, measles would become the third disease, after
smallpox and polio, to be eliminated.
The Facts
- An estimated 30-40 million children suffer from measles every year
- Measles, spread through the air, is one of the most contagious diseases known
- In Africa, there are 200 million children at risk for measles and only about half of these have received any measles vaccine through existing services
- Measles attacks skin surfaces and the immune system so children die of complications from measles including diarrhea, pneumonia, and blindness
- Visible signs of measles include fever, rash, running nose, cough, red eyes, red lips, peeling of the skin, and difficulty breathing
- The measles vaccination is the most cost-effective public health intervention available for preventing deaths
- It costs less than $1 to vaccinate a child against measles
- Over 5 years, 1.2 million deaths will be prevented
Campaign Activity/Fundraising Ideas
Measles Booth – Provide information about measles and ask for donations
International Day at your School – Provide a day filled with multicultural activities and food as a kick off for a measles fundraising campaign
Battle of the Bands/Rock to Eradicate Concert with the proceeds going to the measles initiative
Kids Care Day – Hold a day of activities in your community with a measles focus and ask for donations
Spaghetti Dinner – Proceeds from ticket sales would go to the measles initiative
Silent Auction – Sell tickets and have items for the auction donated by individuals or organizations in the community
Have a Heart, Save a Life – During Valentines week sell paper hearts on which messages can be written and display around the school, or sell candy grams, carnations, or other Valentines related items
Car Washes, Bake Sales, etc.
Countdown to Eliminate Measles – Hang 1140 paper dolls around school to show the number of measles deaths per day. For each $1 donation, a doll gets to be removed from the wall. Hold the fundraiser for 24 hours over one week
Shots for Shots – Hold a basketball shooting contest
