The measles outbreak affecting the DPRK began in November 2006 and has affected 3,500 people, which caused the deaths of two adults and two infants.
The DPRK's Ministry of Public Health declared a nationwide measles outbreak in mid February 2007.
In response to this crisis, UNICEF is funding the first phase of the measles immunizations for 6 million children between the ages of 6 months and 15 years of age in the DPRK.
A second phase is planned to begin April 10 (funded by UNICEF, WHO and other donors) to vaccinate another 10 million people in the DPRK between the ages of 16 and 45 years.
The total targeted vaccinations for the DPRK are planned for 16 million people.
"Measles is highly contagious, but completely preventable. For this campaign to be successful we must ensure that every child at risk of measles is properly vaccinated," according to a UNICEF representative.
Measles is easily spread into the air, and it is known as one of the most contagious diseases in existence.
Worldwide deaths from measles have fallen by an estimated 530,000 global cases (60 percent) from 1999 to 2005 as a result of immunization programs thus far in Africa and Asia.
Even though progress is being made, measles is still a leading cause of death, particularly in children. The disease can be prevented through national immunization campaigns.
