Global measles deaths fall 88% from 2000–2024, cases rise to 11 million: WHO
Global measles deaths have dropped sharply since 2000, the WHO said, but rising infections and falling vaccination rates threaten to reverse decades of progress.
The World Health Organization (WHO) said deaths caused by measles fell by about 88% between 2000 and 2024, with vaccination efforts saving nearly 59 million lives worldwide during that period.
In a report released on Thursday, December 25, the WHO said that despite these long-term gains, measles infections are once again rising globally, reversing years of progress in disease control.
According to the report, around 11 million measles cases were recorded worldwide in 2024, highlighting growing gaps in immunisation coverage and public health systems.
The WHO stressed that preventing measles outbreaks requires at least 95% coverage with two doses of the measles vaccine, a target that remains unmet in many countries.
Health officials warned that falling vaccination rates leave communities vulnerable to large outbreaks, particularly among children and unvaccinated populations.
Measles is one of the world’s most contagious diseases and can lead to severe complications, including pneumonia, brain inflammation, and death, especially in young children.
Global vaccination programmes had significantly reduced measles transmission over the past two decades, but recent disruptions have weakened routine immunisation systems.
The WHO said that in 2024 alone, around 20 million children missed essential vaccines such as those for diphtheria, tetanus, and polio due to conflict, supply disruptions, and rising misinformation.
The agency warned that without urgent action to restore routine immunisation, gains made over decades could be lost, leading to preventable illness and deaths.
The WHO called on governments and international partners to strengthen vaccination programmes, combat misinformation, and ensure access to life-saving vaccines, particularly in conflict-affected and low-income countries.
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