The Lancet: Measles vaccination: global progress, local challenges
Editorial Board

“On Nov. 10, 2016, Progress Toward Regional Measles Elimination — Worldwide, 2000-2015, was published jointly by UNICEF, WHO, Gavi, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The publication reports on progress made towards achieving U.N. Millennium Development Goal 4, set in 2000, to reduce child mortality through measures including the elimination of measles in four of six WHO regions. … Overall deaths declined by 79 percent during this period, from an annual 651,000 to 134,200, but there remain gaps in the reach of the program, as well as risks caused by the anti-vaccination movement, that together leave no room for complacency. The anti-vaccination movement is particularly active in the USA. Proponents believe that vaccines are as dangerous as the diseases they are designed to protect against. Strangely, President-elect Trump seems to support their cause. He should declare vaccine confidence a priority for his government. … [A]s long as there are gaps in coverage, complete elimination of measles will remain elusive. Global and regional political and practical support are needed to build upon the impressive progress to date” (11/19).