Measles deaths worldwide fell by 74 percent between 2000 and 2007, from an estimated 750,000 to 197,000, Xinhua quoted the World Health Organization (WHO) as saying. In addition, the Eastern Mediterranean region has cut measles deaths from an estimated 96,000 to 10,000 during the same period, thus achieving the UN goal to reduce measles deaths by 90 percent by 2010 three years early, the agency said in a statement. The WHO Eastern Mediterranean region comprises a total of 21 countries. "This achievement is a tribute to the hard work and commitment of countries in the Eastern Mediterranean region to combat measles," said WHO Director-General Margaret Chan. "With only two years until the 2010 target date, I urge all countries affected by measles to intensify their efforts to immunize all children against the disease," she said. According to the organization, the significant decline in measles deaths in the Eastern Mediterranean region was the result of intensified vaccination campaigns including several countries with hard-to-reach areas.
