What's happened
Measles infections increased by nearly 800,000 in 2024, reaching 11 million, with outbreaks tripling since 2021. Despite progress, vaccination gaps and pandemic disruptions have fueled the resurgence, threatening global elimination efforts. WHO urges renewed immunization efforts and political commitment to curb the disease.
What's behind the headline?
The recent surge in measles cases underscores the fragility of global immunization systems. Despite the availability of a highly effective vaccine, coverage remains below the 95% threshold needed to prevent outbreaks. Pandemic-related disruptions, misinformation, and access issues have created immunity gaps, particularly in conflict-affected regions. The WHO's call for political and community engagement highlights that trust and reliable healthcare infrastructure are critical. If current trends continue, measles could become endemic again in several regions, reversing years of progress. The focus must shift toward strengthening routine immunization, improving surveillance, and addressing misinformation to prevent further outbreaks.
What the papers say
The Independent reports that nearly 800,000 more measles cases occurred in 2024 than in 2019, with outbreaks in 60 countries, nearly triple the number in 2021. WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros emphasized that measles exploits gaps in defenses and stressed the importance of universal vaccination. All Africa highlights that the surge is driven by pandemic-era backsliding, fragile health systems, and misinformation, with 59 countries experiencing large outbreaks. Both sources agree that vaccination coverage remains below the 95% threshold, risking a return to endemic transmission. The Independent notes that the African region saw a decline in cases and deaths due to increased immunization, but the resurgence elsewhere threatens this progress. WHO's efforts, including the 'Big Catch-Up' campaign, aim to close immunity gaps, but funding and access remain challenges. The contrasting perspectives emphasize that while progress has been made, systemic issues and pandemic disruptions have created a precarious situation that requires urgent, coordinated action.
How we got here
Measles was declared eliminated in many countries by 2019 due to high vaccination coverage. However, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted immunization services, leading to declining vaccination rates worldwide. This created immunity gaps, especially in conflict zones and vulnerable communities, enabling the virus to resurge. WHO's efforts to maintain surveillance and vaccination campaigns have faced funding and access challenges, complicating elimination goals.
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Common question
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Why Are Measles Outbreaks Increasing Worldwide?
Recent reports show a sharp rise in measles cases globally, with outbreaks tripling since 2021. Despite past progress in eliminating the disease, vaccination gaps and pandemic disruptions have created a perfect storm for resurgence. Curious about what's driving this increase and what can be done? Below, we answer key questions about the current measles situation and how individuals and governments can help stop the spread.
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The World Health Organization is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health. The WHO Constitution, which establishes the agency's governing structure and principles, states its main objective as "the attainment
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Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus is an Ethiopian biologist, public health researcher, and official who has been Director-General of the World Health Organization since 2017. Tedros is the first African in the role, and was endorsed by the African Union. He play