Control of measles in Brazil.

Measles is regarded as a major public health problem in Brazil, accounting for much of the morbidity and mortality among children younger than five years of age. Rates of immunization have risen steadily since the National Immunization Program (NIP) was set up in 1973, reaching a maximum of 72.1% in 1981. However, the impact of the program cannot yet be demonstrated because of variations in reporting and of operational problems involved in the maintenance of efficient routine vaccination in most states. Changes in NIP field strategies after 1980 included the organization of campaigns in areas where the rates of vaccination are lowest, particularly in northern and northeastern Brazil.