Cabo Verde, Mauritius and Seychelles have achieved a major public health milestone, becoming the first sub-Saharan African countries to eliminate both measles and rubella. The achievement was confirmed by the African Regional Verification Commission for Measles and Rubella Elimination, a body established by the World Health Organization (WHO).
The three island nations now join 94 countries that have eliminated measles and 133 that have eliminated rubella worldwide. Both diseases are highly infectious airborne viruses that can lead to severe complications, especially in children, while rubella poses serious risks during pregnancy. They are, however, preventable through vaccination.
The verification follows a detailed review in Johannesburg in October 2025, where the commission confirmed that the countries had interrupted endemic transmission for over 36 months and maintained strong surveillance systems capable of detecting and containing any imported cases.
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WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr Mohamed Janabi, described the achievement as “a major public health milestone,” urging other African countries to strengthen vaccination systems so “every child can grow up healthy and protected.”
Cabo Verde’s long-standing investment in immunization has been central to its success, with coverage consistently above 90% for more than 20 years. Mauritius recorded no measles cases after 2019 and boosted vaccination to reach 98% coverage for the first dose. Seychelles maintained above 95% coverage for two decades, backed by strict surveillance and laboratory confirmation.
Health ministers from all three countries hailed the achievement as the result of sustained political commitment, strong health systems and community cooperation.
Across Africa, measles vaccination efforts have saved an estimated 21 million lives between 2000 and 2023. Regional immunization coverage is also rising, with five countries—including Cabo Verde, Mauritius and Seychelles—now meeting the 95% benchmark required to stop transmission.
The milestone brings Africa a step closer to the global goal of eliminating measles and rubella, driven by the WHO-led Measles and Rubella Partnership.
