Muscat: Oman is free of Measles and Rubella; the World Health Organisation has announced.

The Regional Verification Commission of the World Health Organization (WHO) for Measles and Rubella Elimination (RVC) in the Eastern Mediterranean Region also declared that the two deadly diseases have been wiped out in Bahrain, while Iran has eliminated Rubella and is close to eradicating Measles.

The RVC met in Amman, Jordan, to review the reports submitted by Bahrain, Iran and Oman, and decide on the status of elimination of measles and rubella in the three countries. The Commission’s decision was based on a review of the reports and discussion with representatives.

Dr. Ahmed Al Mandhari, WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean, congratulated Oman, Bahrain, and Iran on their achievement.

“We acknowledge the great efforts exerted by the health sector in the three countries that have led to the achievement of this goal and the elimination of these serious diseases. This gives us great hope and confidence that all countries in the Region can do the same and that we will be able to announce that the Eastern Mediterranean Region is Measles and Rubella free” he said.

The RVC was nominated by the WHO Regional Director in January 2018 to confirm the elimination of the two diseases. Since then, national verification committees in 12 low incidence countries have been briefed on the documentation required for the verification process.