Measles cases surge as vaccination rates plummet
The World Health Organization (WHO) reports a troubling increase in measles cases globally, with an alarming rise in outbreaks across multiple countries. The resurgence comes as vaccination coverage has fallen below the crucial threshold needed to halt transmission, reports BritPanorama.
Fifty-nine nations experienced large or disruptive measles outbreaks in the past year, nearly tripling the numbers reported in 2021. Among these, a significant number of cases are emerging in regions previously declared measles-free, including Canada and the United States.
“Global measles elimination remains a distant goal,” the WHO stated in its latest report. The advancements made over the last few decades are now at risk due to a combination of renewed outbreaks and dwindling resources for immunization and monitoring, particularly highlighted by reduced support for global health from the US government.
The elimination of measles means the virus has ceased circulation, and countries possess the capability to manage infections from external visitors. Canada has recently lost its measles elimination status, and concerns are rising regarding the US potentially following a similar path, said Dr. Kate O’Brien, director of the WHO’s Department of Immunization.
In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported 1,798 confirmed measles cases this year, marking the highest figure since the country achieved elimination status in 2000. “Measles remains the world’s most contagious virus,” noted WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, emphasizing that despite effective low-cost vaccines, the disease capitalizes on gaps in immunization coverage.
Over 30 million children were not adequately protected against measles in 2024, with only 84% receiving the first dose and 76% the second dose of the measles vaccine globally. The situation is most dire for children in fragile and conflict-affected regions, who face the greatest risk.
Victories and challenges
Despite these setbacks, health officials cite significant reductions in measles deaths since 2000, with a commitment from every WHO member state to eliminate measles and rubella. This effort hinges on maintaining vaccine coverage of at least 95% and strengthening disease surveillance.
Recent successes include Cabo Verde, Seychelles, and Mauritius, who achieved measles elimination this year, along with twenty-one Pacific island nations. “We have made measurable progress towards measles elimination,” said Diana Chang Blanc, unit head of WHO’s Essential Program on Immunization. However, she acknowledged that the pace is still too slow, with notably high case numbers and fatalities persisting.
Chang Blanc emphasized the importance of the second vaccine dose, which increases effectiveness to 95%, creating prolonged immunity. However, three countries still do not administer this as standard practice, exacerbating vulnerability among children.
Progress remains hindered by ongoing vaccine misinformation and the repercussions of the Covid-19 pandemic, which disrupted routine immunization programs. Misinformation remains a notable barrier, yet access continues to pose the most significant challenge.
Slowing progress to elimination
The Covid-19 pandemic severely impacted global immunization efforts, with measles vaccination rates still lagging behind pre-pandemic levels. The WHO attributes slowed vaccination rates to misinformation, but it asserts that access to immunization is the primary challenge.
Chang Blanc identified a lack of robust routine immunization systems as the key reason for the current high measles case counts. “Securing sustainable domestic financing and new partnerships is now a critical challenge to advancing efforts toward a world free of measles,” the report concluded.
