#Switzerland #Geneva #WHO Foundation #GMRLN #Measles Surveillance

Urgent Appeal from the WHO Foundation

The World Health Organization (WHO) Foundation has recently launched a critical fundraising initiative aimed at safeguarding the Global Measles and Rubella Laboratory Network (GMRLN). This network plays an essential role in the global surveillance of measles and rubella, helping to control and eliminate these diseases through immunization programs and outbreak responses.

With the recent escalation of measles and rubella outbreaks around the world, the urgency of this appeal could not be more apparent. The WHO Foundation is seeking to raise $3.6 million to maintain the operations of this invaluable network in 22 high-risk countries in Africa, which is critical for sustaining operations at 20 prioritized laboratories. This fundraising effort aims to ensure uninterrupted diagnostic testing, secure the transport of specimens, and coordinate emergency responses in regions where outbreaks are the most likely to occur. Despite the $3.6 million goal, the total annual funding required to keep the GMRLN fully operational is a staggering $22 million.

To incentivize donations, The ELMA Vaccines and Immunization Foundation has offered a matching commitment of up to $2 million for every dollar donated, effectively doubling the impact of individual contributions. This matching opportunity will be available until July 31, 2025, or until the full amount is unlocked. Tom McPartland, the CEO of ELMA Philanthropies, announced this initiative during the Seventy-eighth World Health Assembly in Geneva, emphasizing the importance of strengthening health systems in Africa, particularly to safeguard children’s health.

The GMRLN's Importance

For more than two decades, the GMRLN has been instrumental in identifying and responding to measles and rubella outbreaks. With over 700 laboratories located in 190 countries, the network supports broader vaccination goals as part of the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI). It aims to optimize vaccine delivery strategies and ensure adequate health system responses to outbreaks.

The GMRLN also monitors other diseases that can be prevented by vaccines, such as yellow fever and Covid-19. By providing accurate diagnoses, the network allows countries to deploy necessary resources promptly, preventing costly misdiagnoses—and ultimately saving lives. Its contributions to surveillance help authorities identify gaps in immunization coverage and effectively plan campaigns to vaccinate children who may have been missed, thereby preventing future outbreaks.

A System at Risk

Currently, the GMRLN's operations face challenges due to reduced support from major funding sources, notably the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), leading to significant funding shortages. Without swift financial investment, laboratories within the network could begin to close by 2025, particularly in regions like Africa, which account for over 60% of current measles cases globally.

Dr. Kate O'Brien, Director of WHO's Department of Immunization, Vaccines, and Biologicals highlights the critical role of GMRLN, stating, "Measles is more than a virus; it's a warning light. When outbreaks appear, it signals that health systems are struggling to reach people, track disease, and close immunity gaps."

Without the GMRLN, countries risk falling behind in their ability to detect measles, which could lead to delayed diagnoses and unchecked disease threats, particularly in low-resource settings.

The Measles Threat

Measles remains one of the most contagious viruses known, capable of surviving in the air for hours and infecting more than 90% of unvaccinated individuals exposed to it. Despite the availability of vaccines, global coverage remains insufficient. In 2023, only 83% of children received the first dose of meales vaccine—far below the required 95% threshold needed for herd immunity. As evidenced in recent years, cases have surged dramatically, with Europe recording over 127,000 cases in 2024—the highest in over 25 years. The U.S. has also seen a rise, confirming over 1,000 cases predominantly among unvaccinated children since the start of 2025.

A Call for Support

The WHO Foundation is now appealing to philanthropic organizations, businesses, and impact investment partners to join in preserving the GMRLN’s life-saving operations. Robyn Calder, President of ELMA Philanthropies, reinforces the notion that investing in the GMRLN is a vital step toward saving lives and strengthening healthcare systems globally.

"This is a moment for collective action," states Anil Soni, CEO of the WHO Foundation. "We are inviting philanthropies, companies, and health leaders to contribute. Every new donor brings us closer to unlocking the full match and protecting the world's most vulnerable children."

Future Goals

Looking ahead, WHO's ambitions include transforming the GMRLN into a multi-pathogen, future-ready surveillance platform. By 2026, the goal is to strengthen detection, confirmation, and containment mechanisms for vaccine-preventable diseases, including measles and rubella. Investing in the GMRLN today is not just about safeguarding a critical network—it's about ensuring that the global community can effectively respond to future health threats.

To support this vital cause, contributors can visit the WHO Foundation's website to make donations that will be matched up to $2 million, amplifying their positive impact in the ongoing fight against these preventable diseases.