In one year, measles cases have jumped by 20%, due to serious gaps in vaccination coverage, warns the WHO. Around 10.3 million cases have been reported worldwide, with 107,500 deaths, mostly affecting children under the age of five.
In a report published on November 14, 2024, the WHO warns of an increase in measles cases last year. Worldwide, the organization estimates 10.3 million cases of measlesan increase of 20% compared to 2022. Deeming this situation “avoidable”, the WHO calls for improving vaccination coverage.
“An unacceptable number of deaths”
All continents are affected by this increase in cases, underlines the WHO. However, Africa, Southeast Asia and Europe, from the Eastern Mediterranean to the Western Pacific, have seen a sharp increase in the number of cases.
The report shows that approximately 107,500 peoplemainly children under 5 years old, died of measles in 2023. If the WHO observes a slight drop in deaths (-8% in one year), “far too many children are still dying from this disease”, she laments.
According to the report, the increase in cases has mostly occurred in countries where children with measles are less likely to die, due to better nutritional status or better access to health services.
And even when people with measles survive, the disease can cause serious health effects, including blindness, pneumonia and encephalitis. Infants and young children are most affected by these persistent complications.
Insufficient vaccination coverage
“Insufficient vaccination coverage globally is behind the increase in the number of cases,” explains the WHO.
While two doses of vaccine are enough to prevent the disease, more than 22 million children have not received their first dose in 2023. Globally, 83% of children have received their first dose of measles-containing vaccine , while only 74% of them received the recommended second dose.
To prevent epidemics, the WHO recalls that it is necessary, at a minimum, vaccinate 95% of the population of each country.
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