Health officials report that measles deaths fell sharply since 2000 but warn that cases are resurging globally.
The World Health Organization (WHO) reports a 47 per cent rise in measles cases in Europe and Central Asia last year, mainly due to declining vaccination rates. Experts say 21st-century progress in reducing infections and deaths now faces setbacks.
In 2024, measles killed an estimated 95,000 people worldwide, mostly children under five. That compares to 780,000 deaths in 2000. The WHO stated, “Every death from a disease preventable by a low-cost, effective vaccine is unacceptable.” Vaccination campaigns have saved nearly 59 million lives since 2000.
Outbreaks Expose Immunisation Gaps
WHO data show global measles infections rose to 11 million last year, about 800,000 higher than pre-pandemic levels.
Europe and Central Asia reported over 120,000 cases in 2024, the highest in more than 25 years. Major outbreaks occurred in 59 countries, nearly three times the 2021 total.
WHO chief Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said, “Measles is the world’s most contagious virus and exploits gaps in collective defences.” The agency cited rising vaccine refusal as a major outbreak driver. Health experts stress that at least 95 per cent of people must receive the vaccine to halt transmission.
Last year, 84 per cent of children received their first dose, and 76 per cent received the second, up slightly from the previous year. Still, more than 30 million children remained under-protected, mainly in Africa and the Eastern Mediterranean. Even highly vaccinated countries can face outbreaks if unvaccinated clusters exist.
Strengthening Systems to Prevent Resurgence
WHO warns that measles often resurfaces first when vaccination rates drop, revealing flaws in global health systems and immunisation programmes.
Children who survive measles face higher risks of pneumonia, blindness, and encephalitis, which can cause brain damage.
The WHO calls for increased funding and renewed efforts to eliminate measles worldwide. Dr Tedros emphasised, “Measles does not respect borders, but vaccinating every child can prevent outbreaks, save lives, and eradicate the disease nationally” (WHO, 2025).
