Between 2000 and 2024, deaths caused by measles dropped 88% thanks to vaccination, according to reports from the World Health Organization (WHO). It’s estimated that 58 million lives were saved from the success of the vaccine worldwide.
Now, however, the WHO has released a new report that states vaccine coverage is now well below the level needed to stop transmission, with cases surging globally. 59 nations have reported large/disruptive measles outbreaks within the last year. This marks almost three times the number reported in 2021.
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About 25% of these outbreaks are occurring in nations that were previously declared to be measles-free, including the United States.
“Global measles elimination remains a distant goal.”
This rise in outbreaks and decline in resources for immunization and disease surveillance is contributing as well, the report noted.
In order for “elimination” to occur, the virus needs to stop circulating within a country. Canada, for example, recently lost their elimination status, and WHO is concerned about the US losing its status next, according to Dr. Kate O’Brien, director of the WHO’s Department of Immunization.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports “1,798 confirmed measles cases in the US this year, the highest number of cases since the country reached elimination status in 2000.”
“Measles remains the world’s most contagious virus,” WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said.
“Even though there’s a highly effective low-cost vaccine, the disease exploits gaps in immunization coverage.”
In 2024, there were more than 30 million children globally that were considered to be under-protected against measles.
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“We have made measurable progress towards measles elimination,” said Diana Chang Blanc, head of WHO’s Essential Program on Immunization.
“But progress toward elimination is still too slow. Cases and deaths are still unacceptably high.”
A few nations have yet to give out the second dose of a measles vaccine as standard practice, which is essential because the second dose “increases vaccine effectiveness to 95%, providing most individuals with long-lasting immunity,” Chang Blanc stated.
In 2024, the reports noted that only 84% of children received the first dose with only 76% receiving the second dose around the world.
“This means that 30 million children remained underprotected from measles in 2024. Children living in fragile, vulnerable conflict-afflicted settings are the most adversely affected.”
Chang Blanc stated that progress is not being accomplished due to the fact that there has been lower global immunization rates and a “backsliding of vaccination” since the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Measles acts as a fire alarm for immunization programs. When the disease resurfaces, it warns that there are gaps in immunization coverage and health care access inequities,” O’Brien stated.
Misinformation and disinformation are notable factors in slowed vaccination rates, WHO stated.
Chang Blanc said that “the breakdown or lack of a strong foundation in the routine immunization system is the No. 1 reason for high measles case counts and outbreaks.
Although it sounds simple, those routine systems require trained health workforces, logistic systems, transport, surveillance systems and other resources that many countries do not have.
The major barrier to reaching 95% measles vaccine coverage is access to populations that need it most.”
Eric Mastrota is a Contributing Editor at The National Digest based in New York. A graduate of SUNY New Paltz, he reports on world news, culture, and lifestyle. You can reach him at eric.mastrota@thenationaldigest.com.
