1. The Measles Initiative American Red Cross IFRC World Youth Meeting 2009

2. International Services Mission The American Red Cross International Services helps vulnerable people and communities around the world prepare for, respond to and recover from natural disasters, humanitarian crises and health emergencies through mobilizing the power of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.

3. What is Measles? Acute, viral disease that can lead to death Transmitted through the air from person-to-person Highly contagious

5. Measles: A Child Killer Prior to the Measles Initiative, almost 1 million children died each year It costs less than $1 to vaccinate a child

6. What is the Measles Initiative? A partnership committed to reducing measles deaths -- led by the American Red Cross, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, UN Foundation, UNICEF and World Health Organization; Provides technical and financial assistance to governments to carry-out mass vaccination campaigns; Goal: to reduce measles deaths by 90% by 2010 (compared to 2000).

8. No second opportunity for measles immunization (47) 94 % of all measles deaths

9. Role of the American Red Cross Partner coordination Technical support to in- country partners Communication and advocacy Resource mobilization Bonnie McElveen-Hunter, Chairman of the American Red Cross, in Madagascar (October 2007)

10. Supporting National Societies The American Red Cross supports National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies by: 1)Providing technical assistance; 2)Training local volunteers and health workers; and 3)Providing financial support. An American Red Cross technical advisor inspects supplies during an integrated health campaign

11. Social Mobilization in Africa and Asia Bringing the message to communities

12. Mass Vaccination Campaigns

13. Vitamin A Polio Vaccination Deworming Tablets Integrated Campaigns Mosquito Nets >186 million >95 million >81 million >37 million

14. Nationwide second measles opportunity introduced (46) No second opportunity introduced (1)

15. Accomplishments Since 2001, the Measles Initiative has: 1.Supported campaigns in more than 60 countries, vaccinating more than 600 million children; 2.Improved surveillance and strengthened health systems A Red Cross volunteer marks a baby’s finger in Madagascar

16. Estimated Measles Deaths 2000-2007

17. Estimated Measles Deaths, 2007 = 1000 death 67%

18. Current Challenges 540 children die every day from measles In 2007, more than 23 million one-year-old children did not receive a measles vaccine through national health systems

19. 40 States with active chapters 121 Chapters raised funds between July 2007 and June 2008 Chapters hold events that raise anywhere from $100 to $11,000 American Red Cross Chapter Participation

20. Band Together and “Come Bat” Measles Highlights from 2008: Mat Morgan Angela Bingham

21. Help raise awareness within your network of friends, family and coworkers Organize activities and events to raise funds The Red Cross has tools to help you jump start activities and be successful in your outreach efforts. Examples: One-on-one support, brochures, fact sheets, photos, videos and networking opportunities How You Can Get Involved

22. Youth Activity Ideas In schools… Sell lapel pins or postcards Host a used book sale Make a presentation to your classmates Sell paper dolls for $1 and hang on the wall Hand out flyers at schools, dances, games

23. For more information Contact: measles@usa.redcross.org Visit: www.measlesinitiative.org Thank you!