Measles Initiative to announce new achievements

The Measles Initiative partners - led by the American Red Cross, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the United Nations Foundation, UNICEF and the World Health Organization - will announce the latest achievement in global health during a press teleconference on Thursday, December 4, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. EST, 4:00pm CET.

Speakers will present new data about the remarkable reduction in measles deaths globally since 2000. Partners will also discuss progress toward the United Nations goal for measles mortality reduction, how this progress has been achieved, and remaining challenges for reducing measles deaths globally.

WHAT:

A press teleconference to announce new progress in reducing measles deaths around the world. There will be time for questions and answers with each of the speakers.

WHO:

Dr. Hussein Abdel-Razzak Al Gezairy, Regional Director, Eastern Mediterranean Region, World Health Organization

Ann M. Veneman, Executive Director, UNICEF

Dr. Julie L. Gerberding, Director, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Bonnie McElveen-Hunter, Chairman of the Board, American Red Cross

Kathy Calvin, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, United Nations Foundation.

WHEN: Thursday, December 4, 2008 10:00 a.m. EST / 4:00p.m. CET   MEDIA CALL IN INFORMATION:   U.S.: 1.866.814.1918 Int'l Dial-In: +1.703.639.1362 Passcode: Measles Initiative call Host: Christy Feig Company: American Red Cross