A comprehensive approach to achieving reverification of measles elimination in Venezuela, 2019-2023

Objective. To describe the comprehensive activities implemented in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela to achieve reverification of measles elimination by 2023. Method. Descriptive study of the procedures implemented to achieve reverification of measles elimination by 2023 according to the components set forth in the Regional Framework for the Monitoring and Re-verification of Measles, Rubella, and Congenital Rubella Syndrome Elimination in the Americas, published in 2022. Results. Due to a measles outbreak that began in epidemiological week (EW) 26 of 2017, Venezuela lost the elimination status which had been conferred in 2016 by the Expert Committee. Endemic transmission of the virus was reestablished in EW26 of 2018, after 12 months of circulation. After 111 weeks, 7054 confirmed cases and 80 deaths, endemic transmission was interrupted in EW33 2019; this prompted vaccination activities and intensified surveillance, in addition to securing financial resources for procurement of vaccines and supplies. Evidence of these activities was provided to the Measles and Rubella Elimination Regional Monitoring and Re-Verification Commission (RVC), which enabled the country to be reverified as measles-free by 2023. Conclusions. Venezuela achieved interruption of endemic measles transmission in 2019, and then carried out activities which enabled it to meet the core criteria for reverification of elimination as established in the Regional Framework.