Twenty four of the 37 countries and jurisdictions of the Western Pacific Region already have likely achieved or nearly achieved the Region’s 2012 goal for measles elimination. The Western Pacific Region of WHO has made progress towards its goal of measles elimination by 2012. Routine immunization coverage has been increasing; more and better vaccination campaigns have been conducted; surveillance is being enhanced; and an extensive laboratory network is in place. Twenty four of the Region’s 37 countries and jurisdictions already have likely eliminated or nearly eliminated measles. However, large numbers of measles cases continue to occur in several countries, especially in China and Japan, which together account for 82 percent of the Region’s population. Increased political, financial and human resource commitments and efforts by countries and partners are required to implement the WHO-recommended strategies and achieve the 2012 goal.
| 
