WHO declares Bahrain measles, rubella free

Manama, May 29 (BNA): The Regional Verification Commission for Measles and Rubella Elimination (RVC-MR) in the Eastern Mediterranean Region has declared that measles and rubella have been eliminated from Bahrain, Assistant Undersecretary for Public Health, Dr. Mariam Al-Hajeri, said. Dr. Al-Hajeri pointed out that the milestone was attained thanks to the directives of Health Minister, Faeqa bint Said Al-Saleh, and her constant follow-up on all health aspects in the kingdom, particularly the preventive one. The declaration was made following the meeting of the Regional Verification Commission on 15–16 May in Jordan to review the reports of countries in this regard. The kingdom’s report, submitted by a delegation, led by the Public Health Director, Dr. Najat Abu Al-Fateh, was reviewed by the commission, thus proving that it is free of measles and rubella. WHO’s Regional Verification Commission lauded the tremendous efforts exerted by the kingdom to eliminate measles and rubella. Dr. Najat Abu Al-Fateh said that Bahrain had been among the first countries in the region to attain such an achievement, as it had succeeded in eliminating measles and rubella three years ago