Measles deaths dropped dramatically since 2000, but health officials report a disturbing resurgence worldwide.
The World Health Organization (WHO) said measles cases rose 47 per cent in Europe and Central Asia last year, driven mainly by falling vaccination rates. Experts warn that recent global progress in controlling infections and deaths is now slipping.
In 2024, measles killed an estimated 95,000 people, mostly children under five. That figure fell from 780,000 deaths in 2000, but the WHO stressed that every preventable death remains unacceptable. Vaccination campaigns have saved nearly 59 million lives globally since the start of the century (WHO, 2025).
Outbreaks Exploit Gaps in Immunity
Measles cases continue rising worldwide, with 11 million infections last year, about 800,000 more than before the pandemic.
The WHO reported more than 120,000 measles cases in Europe and Central Asia in 2024, the highest level in 25 years. Major outbreaks occurred in 59 countries, nearly triple the number in 2021.
WHO chief Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said, “Measles is the world’s most contagious virus and exploits any gap in collective defences” (WHO, 2025). Officials blame rising vaccine refusal. Because measles spreads rapidly, at least 95 per cent of people must receive vaccines to maintain herd immunity.
Global coverage reached 84 per cent for the first dose and 76 per cent for the second in 2024, slightly improving from the previous year. Two million more children received vaccines, yet more than 30 million remained under-protected, mostly in Africa and the Eastern Mediterranean. Even highly vaccinated countries face outbreaks if they contain pockets of unvaccinated children.
Urgent Action Needed to Prevent Complications
The WHO warns measles often resurges first when vaccination rates decline, revealing flaws in global health systems.
Children who survive measles face higher risks of pneumonia, blindness, and encephalitis, which can cause brain damage.
The agency urges increased funding and stronger elimination efforts. Dr Tedros stressed, “Measles does not respect borders. Vaccinating every child can prevent costly outbreaks, save lives, and eliminate the disease nationally” (WHO, 2025).
Reference:
World Health Organization (2025). Measles resurgence threatens global gains. WHO.
