Regional reports for the subnational monitoring of measles elimination in Italy and the identification of local barriers to the attainment of the elimination goal

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0205147
• Publication Date: 2018-10-24T18:29:45Z
• Authors: Giovanna Adamo; Giulia Sturabotti; Valentina Baccolini; Pasquale de Soccio; Grazia Pia Prencipe; Antonino Bella; Fabio Magurano; Stefania Iannazzo; Paolo Villari; Carolina Marzuillo
• Keywords: European region

Although most countries in the WHO European Region were verified 2017 as having interrupted endemic measles transmission, nine still endemic. Among these, Italy accounted for second highest number of cases reported Europe 2017. The elimination is at national level by each country’s National Verification Committee (NVC) through production an Annual Status Update (ASU). Since decentralization has led to inhomogeneous implementation immunization strategies among 21 administrative Regions, Italian NVC proposed that should also be documented subnational regional ASUs and Synthetic Regional Reports (SRRs). SRRs 2014, 2015 2016 produced appraised evaluate Regions’ performances individual year well over whole period. A specific analysis vaccination coverage, including official data 2017, was performed. Moreover, epidemic examined. Firstly, period 2014–2016, low rates registered Regions. Sixty-three per cent southern Regions below mean overall low-quality performance. approval Italy’s mandatory law resulted a marked increase coverage; however, this not homogeneous Secondly, more than 50% did report any supplemental activity (SIA) 2014–2016. Thirdly, from 2014 2016, fewer one-third improved their reporting outbreaks. Finally, study period, only two reached target required laboratory investigations. In with decentralized health policies, monitoring can help identify local barriers elimination. it highlighted need further SIAs stronger surveillance system.