Rome, Italy

8 - 10 February 2012

Rubella during pregnancy often results in severe congenital abnormalities. Fortunately, the rubella vaccine has successfully eliminated rubella from the entire Western Hemisphere and Scandinavia. However, rubella continues to occur in much of Europe, in Asia and in Africa, and the WHO estimates that over 100,000 infants are born each year with congenital rubella syndrome. The Sabin Vaccine Institute, together with the March of Dimes, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is undertaking a series of advocacy activities to promote vaccination against rubella throughout the world.

Surprisingly, a significant part of the problem lies in Europe, where both measles and rubella continue to occur.

Over 150 people from 47 countries came together in Rome, Italy to review the latest developments in the fight against rubella and CRS in Europe. Approved presentations from the symposium are available now and a comprehensive proceedings is in production.

Event Information

Proceedings

  • Progress Toward Rubella Elimination and CRS Prevention in Europe Proceedings

    Progress Toward Rubella Elimination and CRS prevention in Europe was held 8-10 February, 2012 in Rome, Italy. Over 150 people from 47 countries came together to review the latest developments in the fight against rubella and CRS in Europe. A special session on measles was also convened to review the numerous overlaps in these two areas. Proceedings are now available for download.

  • Progress Toward Rubella Elimination and CRS Prevention in Europe_finalweb.pdf(3.26mb pdf)

Related Press Coverage

European Outbreaks Take Spotlight at Conference Dedicated to Measles and Rubella Elimination
NGOs, multilateral organizations, decision makers and global health experts will address Rubella elimination and CRS prevention in Europe ROME, Italy—February 8, 2012—This week, the Sabin Vaccine Institute, together with the March of Dimes Foundation, the World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe (WHO/Europe), the International Pediatric Association and its regional affiliate, the European Pediatric Association and the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), will bring together experts from around the world to discuss the continued outbreaks of measles and rubella in the European region. The meeting will also focus on the impact of associated congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) and the pressing need to increase regional measles and rubella vaccine coverage to ensure immunity among susceptible populations. Read more