The number of deaths from measles worldwide has dropped by 78 per- cent from 2000 to 2008, according the World Health Organization (WHO).

From the estimated 733, 000 deaths in 2000, the global mortality from measles fell to 164,000 in 2000, a WHO report said.

The December 4 edition of the WHO Weekly Epidemiological Record and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC’s) Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report showed that almost all the regions have achieved the United Nations goal of reducing measles mortality by 90 percent from 2000 to 2010, two years ahead of the target.

The report attributed the significant reduction to large-scale immunization campaigns and increased routine immunization coverage done in almost all regions.

“So much has been achieved in the past several years, thanks to the hard work and commitment of national governments and donors,’’ said Dr. Margaret Chan, WHO director-general.

“But with only two years until the target date, there are signs of stalling momentum. This is a highly contagious disease that can quickly take advantage of any lapse in effort,’’ she said.

Measles is one of the leading causes of mortality among children worldwide, including here in the Philippines. More than 400 children globally die every day from the disease.

But unlike other highly infectious diseases, measles is preventable through vaccines. The complications include diarrhea, otitis media, pneumonia, croup, and encephalitis.

The WHO told countries not to be complacent as the disease may likely reappear if vaccination efforts are not sustained.

It urged countries to continue follow-up vaccination campaigns every two to four years “until their healthcare systems can provide two doses of measles vaccination to all children and provide treatment for the disease.”

WHO also suggested that countries strengthen their disease surveillance systems to rapidly detect and control outbreaks in order to reach the UN 2010 goals.