Background on Key Figures and Relevance
The Pan American Health Organization’s (OPS) Regional Commission for Monitoring and Verification of Measles, Rubella, and Congenital Rubella Virus (CRV) elimination has called for a virtual meeting with Mexico and the United States on April 13, 2026. The purpose is to assess the status of measles elimination in both countries following outbreaks reported in 2025.
This invitation, announced on January 16, came after the United States reported measles cases starting from January 20, 2025, followed by Mexico’s report on February 1, 2025. These developments activated regional monitoring mechanisms outlined in the Regional Framework for Sustaining and Verifying Measles, Rubella, and Congenital Rubella Virus Elimination in the Americas.
Measles Outbreaks and Response
During a federal executive press conference on January 20, Mexico’s Secretary of Health, David Kershenobich Stalnikowitz, announced that Mexico joined a two-month extraordinary period to contain the disease. This move came after Canada lost its measles-free status, and the United States requested a similar extension to manage their outbreaks.
Although the Commission typically meets once a year, the regional framework allows for extraordinary convening when circumstances warrant it—such as reporting outbreaks that could threaten elimination status.
The Role of the Regional Commission for Measles, Rubella, and CRV (RVC)
The RVC is an independent technical commission that reports directly to the OPS Director. Its mandate involves monitoring and verifying measles, rubella, and CRV elimination in member states. Additionally, it evaluates the restoration of endemic transmission, defined as a continuous virus transmission chain of the same genotype and strain within a country for 12 months or longer.
Meeting Details and Preparation
The meeting’s date allows national health authorities and national sustainability committees in both countries to prepare comprehensive reports, supported by detailed epidemiological and laboratory evidence. These reports will be reviewed by the Commission.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the purpose of the meeting? The OPS Regional Commission aims to review measles elimination status in Mexico and the United States following 2025 outbreaks.
- Who called for the meeting? The Pan American Health Organization’s (OPS) Regional Commission for Monitoring and Verification of Measles, Rubella, and Congenital Rubella Virus (CRV) Elimination.
- When is the meeting scheduled? April 13, 2026.
- What triggered the meeting? Measles outbreaks in the United States (starting January 20, 2025) and Mexico (starting February 1, 2025).
- What is the role of the RVC? The RVC monitors and verifies measles, rubella, and CRV elimination in member states and evaluates the restoration of endemic transmission.
