The WHO Foundation raised US $2 million in 2025 to maintain the Global Measles and Rubella Laboratory Network (GMRLN) following a major reduction in support from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, historically a major funder. 

An emergency appeal resulted in a US $1 million catalytic commitment from ELMA Vaccines and Immunization Foundation which was matched by a number of donors including the Skoll Foundation, Delta Philanthropies and individuals who donated to our online appeal.

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These generous commitments supported the GRMLN network to maintain uninterrupted diagnostic testing, specimen transport and emergency coordination. 

This rapid response during outbreaks helped to contain infectious diseases including measles and rubella in 22 high-risk countries across Africa. 

It's a great result.

But, ongoing investment is needed to future-proof the network at a time when infectious disease outbreaks are increasing worldwide.

For over 20 years, the Global Measles and Rubella Laboratory Network (GMRLN) has acted as the world’s early-warning system against vaccine-preventable diseases. Originally created to detect measles and rubella, GMRLN now monitors threats like yellow fever, mpox and covid-19.

By confirming or ruling out measles in suspected outbreaks, the network enables countries to respond quickly and accurately—whether by initiating targeted outbreak response or reallocating resources to address other conditions with similar symptoms, such as dengue. This prevents costly misdiagnoses and ensures that immunization efforts are focused where they are most needed.

Just as critically, GMRLN data help countries tailor their routine immunization programme and coverage, identify immunity gaps, and plan follow-up campaigns to reach missed children.

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Maintaining the GRMLN network helps protect us all.

Measles remains the most contagious virus in the world. It can linger in the air for hours and infect over 90 percent of unvaccinated people exposed to it. 

In 2024, global measles vaccine coverage dropped to 76 percent for the full two-dose course, well below the 95 percent needed to prevent outbreaks.

Sustainable funding for GRMLN helps to maintain rapid disease detection and diagnosis and helps guide emergency vaccination programs and catch-up vaccination programs in vulnerable populations.

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