**Core Concept**
Measles elimination criteria are established by the World Health Organization (WHO) to define the level of measles control in a country. Measles elimination is considered when a country has had no indigenous cases of measles for at least 3 consecutive years in the presence of a well-performing surveillance system.

**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Measles elimination requires a sustained level of immunity among the population, which can be achieved through high vaccination coverage and a robust surveillance system. The absence of indigenous cases for 3 consecutive years is a key indicator of measles elimination, indicating that the country has effectively controlled the spread of the virus. This is made possible by the implementation of effective public health strategies, including vaccination campaigns and disease surveillance.

**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option is incorrect because measles elimination criteria are not solely based on the number of reported cases, but also on the absence of indigenous cases for a specified period.
**Option B:** This option is incorrect because measles elimination does not require a complete absence of measles cases worldwide, but rather the absence of indigenous cases within a specific country or region.
**Option C:** This option is incorrect because measles elimination criteria do not include the use of measles vaccines alone, but rather a combination of vaccination, surveillance, and public health strategies.

**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
To achieve measles elimination, countries must maintain high vaccination coverage, particularly among children under 5 years of age, and have a robust disease surveillance system in place to quickly detect and respond to any measles cases that may arise.

**Correct Answer: D.**