The number of cases of measles, a highly contagious disease, jumped by 20% worldwide in 2023 due to worrying deficiencies in vaccination coverage, according to a study published Thursday. Some 10.3 million cases were recorded last year across the planet and 107,500 people died – mostly children under the age of five.
“Inadequate vaccination coverage on a global scale is at the origin of this increase” of 20% in the number of cases, underline the authors of this study carried out by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the American Centers for disease control and prevention (CDC).
At least 95% coverage with two doses of the measles and rubella vaccine is necessary to prevent outbreaks. But only 83% of children worldwide received their first dose as part of routine vaccination campaigns in 2023. That is to say the same level as in 2022 but less than the 86% before the Covid-19 pandemic.
Only 74% received their second dose last year, according to the study. The authors identified significant measles epidemics in 57 countries in 2023 – on all continents except America and half in Africa – compared to 36 a year earlier.
The virus, which can cause rashes, fever and flu-like symptoms but also particularly serious complications in young children, fortunately caused fewer deaths in 2023 (-8%).
The authors mainly explain this trend by the fact that the increase in cases occurred in countries where children with measles were less likely to die thanks to better nutritional status and better access to health services. .
The WHO and CDC fear that the goal of eradicating measles by 2030 is “at risk.” “The measles vaccine has saved more lives than any other vaccine over the past 50 years,” said WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
“To save even more lives and prevent this deadly virus from harming the most vulnerable, we must invest in vaccinating every person, regardless of where they live,” he insisted, quoted in a press release. .
WHO and CDC are calling for greater efforts to ensure that all children receive two doses of vaccine, particularly in Africa and the eastern Mediterranean basin, as well as in conflict zones.
