MEASLES INITIATIVE 

Measles in the leading vaccine-preventable childhood killer in the world. Each year, 44 million children suffer from measles and nearly 800,000 die from the disease. In Africa alone, 200 million children are at risk from measles. More than 12 million cases occur and 450,000 children succumb to the disease in Africa. 

As part of our International Services vision to provide assistance to the world's vulnerable people, the American Red Cross has launched an ambitious initiative to reduce the number of childhood measles deaths in Africa. The American Red Cross is leading a U.S.-based coalition of public and private organization and also works closely with the African Red Cross national societies to mobilize mothers and caretakers to bring their children to be vaccinated. The American Red Cross assists national Red Cross societies by providing technical assistance and support to help build their capacities to mobilize and recruit volunteers, strengthen volunteer networks and improve operating systems. 

To learn more about the Red Cross' work with the Measles Initiative, visit www.redcross.org. You can also make a donation towards this initiative at that same website or by calling 1-800-HELP-NOW or 1-800-7575 (Spanish).