Elimination of rubella and prevention of congenital rubella infection in Europe has been a high priority for the WHO European Regional Office over the past decade. In 2010 the WHO regional committee for Europe renewed its commitment to the elimination of rubella and prevention of CRS with a new target of 2015. For Central Europe to reach the target of rubella elimination and prevention of CRS by 2015, very high vaccine coverage levels need to be maintained and catch-up campaigns continued to address susceptible groups, in particular women of child-bearing age. 

ECDC and WHO Europe jointly release “MESSAGE - MEaSles and rubella Self Assessment GEnerating tool” for public health experts, to facilitate assessment of the progress made towards measles and rubella elimination.