Measles cases surged by 20% in 2023, infecting 10.3 million people. Vaccine gaps, worsened by the pandemic, left millions vulnerable. Deaths in Africa rose by 37%, and Europe saw a 200% spike in cases. Experts urge 95% vaccination coverage to prevent further outbreaks.
In a concerning development, global health organizations have reported a significant increase in measles cases worldwide. According to estimates from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 10.3 million people were infected with measles in 2023—a 20% rise from the previous year.
The surge has been largely attributed to declining immunization coverage. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted routine vaccination services, causing millions of children to miss their measles vaccinations. In 2023 alone, over 22 million children missed their first dose of the measles vaccine, leaving them vulnerable to the highly contagious virus.
Africa bore the brunt of the outbreaks, experiencing nearly half of the global cases. Measles-related deaths in the region rose by 37%, though global deaths from the disease decreased slightly, thanks to improved healthcare access in wealthier countries. However, the disparity highlights the urgent need for stronger immunization programs in low-resource settings.
Europe also experienced a steep increase in cases, with a 200% jump in infections compared to 2022. The region reported over 300,000 cases, with Romania emerging as a hotspot. In the United Kingdom, vaccination rates for the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine hit a 12-year low, leaving an estimated 3.4 million children under the age of 16 at risk of contracting the disease.
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that can lead to severe complications, including pneumonia, encephalitis, and death. While it is preventable through vaccination, the disruptions in routine immunizations have left millions unprotected. Two doses of the measles vaccine provide around 97% effectiveness, making it one of the most effective tools in combating the disease.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of WHO, stressed the urgency of addressing this public health crisis, stating, “Measles vaccines have saved more lives than any other vaccine in the past 50 years. To save even more lives and stop this deadly virus, we must ensure vaccination is accessible to every person, no matter where they live.”
Global health experts are calling for immediate action to reverse the decline in vaccination coverage. Strategies include improving access to vaccines, enhancing surveillance systems to detect and respond to outbreaks, and addressing vaccine hesitancy. Achieving herd immunity will require concerted efforts to ensure at least 95% of children receive two doses of the measles vaccine.