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| National Measles Laboratory |
Measles remains a leading cause of death among young children, despite the availability of a safe and effective vaccine for the past 40 years.
The World Health Organisation's (WHO) measles control targets have evolved over the past decade. Initial targets for informed immunisation have been followed by measles elimination goals in 115 countries.
In the Western Pacific Region (WHO/WPR), specific public health activities aiming at measles elimination have been implemented in Australia and some Pacific Islands. These activities have also involved the establishment of a Measles Laboratory Network. This WHO Network consists of:
- a Global Specialised Laboratory (at NIID, Tokyo)
- a Regional Reference Laboratory (at VIDRL, Melbourne)
- country National Laboratories (e.g. Canterbury Health Laboratories for New Zealand)
