Statement from HRH Crown Princess Mary of Denmark

Immunization Week 2010: Achieving elimination of measles and rubella in the European Region

Enormous progress has been made since the European Region first set the goal of eliminating measles and rubella by the end of this year, 2010. Measles and rubella are at historically low levels in the European Region, with the virtual elimination of the diseases in a number of countries. This is a credit to all the stakeholders and partners involved, and I particularly applaud the Region’s Member States. However, we are at a critical point in the fight against measles and rubella.

Recent measles outbreaks in the Region underline the importance of keeping our guard up. It is particularly alarming that in 2009 we saw an increase in the number of children dying of measles, a vaccine-preventable disease, in the European Region. Now is not a time for complacency but a time for continued action.

As Patron of the World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe, but more importantly, as a mother, I feel a deep responsibility to my children and to society to lend my support to the efforts of European Member States in achieving the goal of measles elimination by the end of 2010. By immunizing our children against measles and rubella, we are also promoting the important goal of reducing child mortality and protecting our communities from the spread of disease.

To achieve elimination, political and societal commitment is required to increase and sustain high level immunization coverage among children. It is also important for parents to understand that when they do not vaccinate their children they are placing other children and the whole community at risk of spreading disease in Europe and around the world.

In the 21st century, we should not be facing the challenge of our children dying of diseases that can be prevented by vaccination. I ask you to be part of the solution. Working together, immunizing our children, we can rid the region of measles and rubella. During European Immunization Week please join WHO in spreading the message to protect, immunize, and prevent disease. Our children are depending on each one of us.