WHO South-East Asia Regional Verification Commission reviews progress towards measles and rubella elimination

Colombo, Sri Lanka, 22 June 2026 — The 11th Meeting of the WHO South-East Asia Regional Verification Commission for Measles and Rubella Elimination opened today in Colombo, Sri Lanka, bringing together members of the Regional Verification Commission and chairs of National Verification Committees from all 10 countries of the WHO South-East Asia Region.

The meeting was opened by Dr S.M. Arnold, Deputy Director General of Public Health, Ministry of Health and Mass Media, Sri Lanka,  who underscored the importance of sustained commitment, high-quality surveillance and strong immunization systems to achieve and maintain measles and rubella elimination across the Region. Dr Catharina Boehme  Officer in Charge WHO South East Asia Region (her message delivered by Ag WR, Sri Lanka)  stressed that sub national immunity gaps and surveillance sensitivity must be strengthened.

This annual meeting provides an important platform for reviewing country progress, assessing evidence submitted by National Verification Committees and identifying priority actions required to accelerate progress towards the regional measles and rubella  elimination goal.

During the two-day meeting, the Commission will review reports submitted by the National Verification Committees of all 10 Member States. These reports document progress against the regional criteria and lines of evidence for measles and rubella elimination, including interruption of endemic transmission, quality of laboratory-supported surveillance, population immunity, outbreak preparedness and programme performance.

National Verification Committee chairs will present country progress and respond to questions from Commission members. The Commission will deliberate on country classifications, recognize progress made, and provide recommendations to help countries close remaining immunity and surveillance gaps.

Renewed urgency for elimination

Measles and rubella elimination remains a public health priority for the WHO South-East Asia Region. Countries have made substantial progress through strengthened routine immunization, supplementary immunization activities, expanded laboratory networks and improved case-based surveillance. However, continued transmission in some settings and immunity gaps among vulnerable populations require urgent, focused and sustained action.

“Every child deserves protection from measles and rubella. The Region has the tools, experience and commitment needed to reach elimination, but success will depend on reaching every missed child, rapidly detecting every suspected case and responding decisively to every outbreak,” the opening session noted.

About the Regional Verification Commission

The WHO South-East Asia Regional Verification Commission for Measles and Rubella Elimination is an independent body of experts which reports to Regional Director and  reviews evidence submitted by countries and determines progress towards elimination. Its work supports transparent, evidence-based verification and helps guide countries in sustaining gains and addressing programme gaps.

The 11th meeting reflects the Region’s shared commitment to a future free of measles and rubella, with all countries working in elimination mode and intensifying efforts to protect every community.