Regional Framework for the Monitoring and Re-Verification of Measles, Rubella and Congenital Rubella Syndrome Elimination in the Americas. Revised edition

Abstract

This revised edition of the Regional Framework for the Monitoring and Re-verification of Measles, Rubella, and Congenital Rubella Syndrome Elimination in the Americas includes an additional Annex regarding the Terms of Reference for Measles and Rubella Elimination National Sustainability Committees (NSC). The Regional Framework aims to guide Member States, as well as the National Sustainability Committees of the Pan American Health Organization, on the requirements and procedures for monitoring and re-verifying measles and rubella elimination. The Regional Framework maintains some elements from the original 2011 Plan of Action for documenting and verifying elimination, while providing sound and updated guidance adjusted to the new epidemiological scenarios. Endemic countries will now have to document absence of measles virus transmission for more than one year and the national capability to sustain measles and rubella elimination, to meet re-verification criteria. The Framework was developed and critically reviewed by the Measles and Rubella Elimination Regional Monitoring and Re-Verification Commission, a new body of independent experts appointed in 2019 that will guide the process for re-verifying and monitoring sustainability of elimination.