Global measles deaths fell dramatically since 2000, yet officials now report signs of a resurgence.
The World Health Organization (WHO) reported a 47 per cent rise in measles cases in Europe and Central Asia last year, largely due to declining vaccination rates. Experts warn that decades of progress in reducing infections and fatalities are now slipping.
In 2024, measles killed roughly 95,000 people worldwide, mostly children under five. That represents a sharp drop from 780,000 deaths in 2000. The WHO stressed that every preventable death remains unacceptable. Vaccination campaigns have saved nearly 59 million lives since 2000.
Infections Climb as Vaccination Gaps Persist
Health officials estimate 11 million measles infections occurred globally last year, about 800,000 more than pre-pandemic levels. Major outbreaks struck 59 countries, nearly triple the 2021 figure. WHO noted more than 120,000 cases in Europe and Central Asia, the highest total in over 25 years.
WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said measles exploits gaps in immunity wherever vaccination rates decline. Officials reported that vaccine hesitancy drives these outbreaks. Measles spreads so easily that experts say at least 95 per cent of people must be immunized to prevent transmission.
WHO data indicate that 84 per cent of children received their first measles dose in 2024, while 76 per cent received the second. This coverage improved slightly from the prior year, giving two million more children protection. Yet over 30 million children remained under-protected, mostly in Africa and the Eastern Mediterranean. Even countries with high vaccination rates risk outbreaks if unvaccinated communities exist.
Urgent Action Needed to Protect Children
The WHO warned that measles often resurges first when immunization rates fall, exposing weaknesses in health systems. Children surviving measles face higher risks of pneumonia, blindness, and encephalitis, which can damage the brain.
The agency urged governments to increase funding and strengthen immunization programs. Dr Tedros stated that vaccinating every child in every community prevents outbreaks, saves lives, and can eliminate measles nationally (WHO, 2025).
Reference:
World Health Organization (2025). Measles resurgence threatens global health gains. WHO.
