August 6:  In a significant win against childhood killer diseases, two countries of WHO South-East Asia Region, DPR Korea and Timor-Leste, have been verified of eliminating measles, and six countries certified for controlling rubella and congenital rubella syndrome, two years ahead of the target year 2020.
“These achievements demonstrate the commitment and resolve of countries in the region towards health of women and children, and for universal health coverage,” said Dr Poonam Khetrapal Singh, regional director WHO South-East Asia.

According to a statement issued by WHO, Bhutan and the Maldives last year became the first two countries in the region to eliminate measles. With the announcements, four of the 11 member countries of WHO South-East Asia have now eliminated measles.
Bangladesh, Bhutan, the Maldives, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Timor-Leste are the first six countries in the WHO South-East Asia Region to control rubella and congenital rubella syndrome.
Likewise, Bhutan, the Maldives and Timor-Leste, have become the first three countries in the Region to achieve both elimination of measles and control of rubella and congenital rubella syndrome.
The Regional Verification Commission, an independent body of experts, met in Delhi from July 31 to August 2. Based on an in-depth review of the data and reports provided by national verification committees, the commission verified that both DPR Korea and Timor-Leste have interrupted transmission of indigenous measles for more than three years.
In 2014, WHO South-East Asia had announced elimination of measles and control of rubella and congenital rubella syndrome by 2020 as a flagship program. Since then, all countries in the region have been strengthening efforts to eliminate measles, a major childhood killer disease, and control rubella and congenital rubella syndrome, which causes serious and irreversible birth defects.