Health Highlights: Nov. 29, 2007

Mar. 23 -- Here are some of the latest health and medical news developments, compiled by editors of HealthDay:

Vaccination Campaign Slashes Global Measles Deaths

An international immunization drive has cut measles deaths in Africa by a dramatic 91 percent since 2000, according to a report released Thursday by the Measles Initiative, which includes the American Red Cross, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the World Health Organization and UNICEF.

In Africa, the number of measles deaths went from an estimated 396,000 in 2000 to 36,000 in 2006. Worldwide, measles deaths fell from an estimated 757,000 to 242,000, a 68 percent reduction, the Associated Press reported.

South Asia remains a challenge. About 178,000 people died from measles there in 2006, a 26 percent decline from 2000.

Between 2000 and 2006, about 478 million children, ages nine months to 14 years, were vaccinated against measles in campaigns that targeted 46 of 47 priority countries were measles was a major problem, the AP reported.

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Utah Most Depressed State: Study

Utah ranks the poorest of any state when it comes to levels of depression and outcomes for people seeking help for depression, according to a Mental Health American study released Wednesday.

The other lowest ranking states in terms of depression and suicide were Idaho, Nevada, Wyoming and West Virginia, while Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland and New Jersey were the healthiest, the Deseret Morning News reported.

The study isn't meant to point fingers at any particular states when it comes to depression levels and treatment, said a Mental Health America spokesman. It was released to highlight the country's need for mental health resources, preventive treatments, and federal legislation that would put mental health services on par with physical health services on medical insurance plans.

The study was funded by drug maker Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, the Morning News reported.

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Smokers Cost Medicaid $9.7 Billion a Year