It is the stated goal of the WHO to eliminate measles and prevent CRS in the European region by 2010. Because of its longstanding, region-wide programs to prevent measles in pediatric populations through modern immunization, the VRF has been invited to join in this effort in the Caucasus. To this end, the VRF partnered with the Ministry of Health, UNICEF and WHO in Azerbaijan to mount a nation-wide mass immunization campaign against measles and rubella in the spring of 2006. After more than a year’s preparation, medical workers in that country embarked on a two week long vaccination effort that reached 2.5 million citizens, 95% of the intended vaccines. The VRF played crucial roles in the winning full commitment from governmental officials to go forward with the project and in providing vaccine, cold-storage, training and social mobilization. The VRF is taking part in a similar mass immunization campaign in neighboring Armenia that launched October 1, 2007.

Now the Georgian Ministry of Health, Labor and Social Development (MOH) has scheduled a mass immunization campaign against measles and rubella in 2008. More than one million citizens, almost 25% of the population, will be protected against these infections. The campaign is part of the national strategy to eliminate measles and congenital rubella syndrome from Georgia by 2010, which in turn is part of the WHO strategic plan to eliminate these infections from the entire European region.

The VRF is providing crucial support to its partners, the Georgian National Centers for Disease Control (NCDC), WHO and UNICEF, in preparing the way for this major public health undertaking.

Mounting such a campaign in Georgia is enhanced as the nation’s medical infrastructure continues to improve. Indeed, the VRF routine immunization program against measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) in Georgia, which has been in place since 2004, is training pediatricians and other health care workers on the elements of a modern vaccination program and is strengthening the cold chain throughout the country for the safe storage and transport of vaccines, thus ensuring their potency at the time of vaccination. Moreover, the VRF has been instrumental in winning endorsement of the forthcoming mass immunization campaign at the very highest levels of the Georgian government.

An official Memorandum of Understanding defining the distinct roles of the various partners in the campaign in Georgia - MOH, UNICEF, WHO and VRF – will be signed in the nearest future. It is certain that the VRF will play an integral role in ensuring a successful effort. The great day when measles and congenital rubella syndrome no longer ravage populations within Georgia is coming, and the VRF is pleased to be working towards that day and that goal with its dedicated colleagues inside and outside of Georgia.