Measles deaths dropped sharply worldwide since 2000, but health officials now report alarming signs of resurgence.
The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that measles cases jumped 47 per cent in Europe and Central Asia last year, mainly due to falling vaccination rates. Officials warn that global gains in preventing infections and deaths are slipping.
In 2024, measles killed roughly 95,000 people worldwide, mostly children under five. That figure is far below 780,000 deaths in 2000, yet WHO stresses every preventable death remains unacceptable. Since 2000, global vaccination campaigns have saved nearly 59 million lives (WHO, 2025).
Cases Climb as Outbreaks Spread
Measles infections rose again worldwide, with an estimated 11 million cases last year—around 800,000 higher than pre-pandemic levels.
Earlier in 2024, the WHO recorded over 120,000 measles cases in Europe and Central Asia, marking the highest count in more than 25 years. Outbreaks occurred in 59 countries, nearly three times the number reported in 2021.
WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said, “Measles is the world’s most contagious virus and exploits gaps in our collective defences” (WHO, 2025).
The agency identified vaccine refusal as a major driver. Health officials stress that at least 95 per cent of people must receive immunisation to block measles transmission.
Globally, 84 per cent of children received the first dose last year, while 76 per cent received the second dose, representing a slight increase that protected two million additional children (WHO, 2025).
Still, more than 30 million children remained under-protected, mainly in Africa and the Eastern Mediterranean. Even countries with high overall vaccination can face outbreaks if unvaccinated pockets exist.
Urgent Call for Stronger Immunisation
WHO warns that measles often resurfaces first when vaccination rates drop, highlighting weaknesses in health systems and immunisation programmes worldwide.
Children who survive measles face heightened risks of pneumonia, blindness, and encephalitis, which can cause brain swelling and long-term damage.
WHO urged governments to increase funding and intensify elimination efforts. Dr Tedros emphasized, “Measles does not respect borders. Vaccinating every child can prevent outbreaks, save lives, and eliminate the disease nationally” (WHO, 2025).
Reference:
World Health Organization (2025). Measles cases surge worldwide as vaccination gaps grow. WHO.
