Measles and Rubella Champion Award

• In recognition of country’s tireless efforts to combat Measles and Rubella, India has been bestowed with the prestigious Measles and Rubella Champion Award by The Measles and Rubella Partnership at the American Red Cross Headquarters in Washington D.C., USA.
• The Measles and Rubella Partnership comprises a multi-agency planning committee, including the American Red Cross, BMGF, GAVI, US CDC, UNF, UNICEF, and WHO, all dedicated to reducing global measles deaths and preventing rubella illness.

ABOUT MEASLES

• Measles is a highly contagious virus, spread by contact with an infected person through coughing and sneezing.
• It is caused by a single-stranded, enveloped RNA virus with 1 serotype.
• It is particularly dangerous for children from the economically weaker background, as it attacks malnourished children and those with reduced immunity.

ABOUT RUBELLA

• Rubella (German Measles) is acute, contagious viral infection transmitted by airborne droplets when infected people sneeze or cough.
• Humans are the only known host.
• Rubella and measles share some signs and symptoms, such as the red rash but are caused by different viruses and rubella isn’t as infectious or as severe as measles.

About vaccine

• Measles and Rubella are vaccine preventable diseases (VPDs).

MR Vaccine is part of India’s Universal Immunization Programme since 2017