Measles Deaths Down Worldwide

Between 2000 and 2007 worldwide deaths from measles dropped by 74 percent. The number of reported deaths decreased from 750,000 to 197,000, according to U.S. and U.N. officials. 

In eastern Mediterranean countries measles deaths decreased by 90 percent, the result of increased awareness and vaccination campaigns in hard-to-reach regions. According to officials, more then twice the number of children were vaccinated in 2007 as in 2006. Clearly, the vaccination outreach worked and showed the power of public health efforts. 

Originally reported by the United Press International.