Resurgence of Measles: A Global Health Challenge

In 2022, the world witnessed a dramatic upsurge in measles cases and fatalities, with 37 nations experiencing significant outbreaks. This alarming trend, as reported by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is primarily due to falling measles vaccination rates, especially in low-income countries. A concerning number of over 33 million children did not receive measles vaccines in 2022, intensifying the crisis. Health authorities emphasize the critical need for enhanced vaccine coverage and proactive measures to contain the spread of measles.

The CDC highlights the escalating global danger of measles as countless children remain unvaccinated year after year.

There was a notable 18% increase in measles cases and a 43% rise in deaths worldwide in 2022 compared to the previous year. This surge resulted in an estimated 9 million cases and 136,000 deaths, predominantly affecting children. This information is according to a recent joint report by the WHO and the U.S. CDC.

Extensive Outbreaks Across Various Regions

The threat of measles to children’s health continues to grow unchecked. In 2022, the number of countries experiencing significant measles outbreaks rose to 37, up from 22 in 2021. These outbreaks were most prevalent in the WHO African Region (28 countries), followed by the Eastern Mediterranean (six countries), Southeast Asia (two countries), and the European Region (one country).

Statements from Health Authorities

John Vertefeuille, the director of CDC’s Global Immunization Division, expressed deep concern over the surge in measles cases and deaths. He attributed this worrying trend to the declining vaccination rates observed in recent years. Vertefeuille stressed that measles in any location poses a threat to communities globally, especially those with low vaccination rates. He emphasized the urgency of targeted actions to prevent the disease and associated fatalities.

Vaccination Coverage and Missed Opportunities

The measles vaccine, requiring two doses for effectiveness, could prevent the disease. Despite a slight improvement in global vaccination coverage in 2022, a staggering 33 million children missed their measles vaccine doses. Approximately 22 million children did not receive their first dose, and an additional 11 million missed their second dose. The global coverage rates for the first and second doses of the vaccine stood at 83% and 74%, respectively, significantly lower than the 95% needed to prevent outbreaks.

Low-income countries, facing the highest risk of measles-related deaths, continue to experience the lowest vaccination rates, with only 66% coverage. This rate has not improved since the pandemic, reflecting a worrying trend. Notably, over half of the 22 million children who missed their first measles vaccine dose in 2022 resided in just ten countries: Angola, Brazil, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Madagascar, Nigeria, Pakistan, and the Philippines.

Kate O’Brien, WHO Director for Immunization, Vaccine and Biologicals, raised concerns about the stagnant recovery in measles vaccination rates in low-income countries post-pandemic. She referred to measles as the “inequity virus,” highlighting its propensity to target the unprotected. O’Brien emphasized that every child, regardless of their geographical location, has the right to the lifesaving measles vaccine.

Global Call to Action

The CDC and WHO are urging nations to identify and vaccinate all children against measles and other preventable diseases. They are also calling on global stakeholders to support countries in vaccinating their most vulnerable populations. To prevent outbreaks, it is crucial for health partners at all levels to invest in strong surveillance systems and outbreak response capabilities to quickly detect and address measles outbreaks.

The Measles & Rubella Partnership Initiative

The CDC and WHO are key founders of the Measles & Rubella Partnership (M&RP), a global endeavor aimed at eradicating measles and rubella. As part of the Immunization Agenda 2030 and guided by the Measles and Rubella Strategic Framework 2030, the M&RP is dedicated to reversing the decline in national vaccination rates, accelerating recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, and advancing the goal of a world free from measles and rubella. The partnership also includes the American Red Cross, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, the United Nations Foundation, and UNICEF.

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More about Measles resurgence 2023

• World Health Organization Measles Information
• CDC Global Immunization Division
• Immunization Agenda 2030
• The Measles & Rubella Partnership
• WHO Region for Africa – Measles Updates
• Eastern Mediterranean Health Journal – Measles Coverage
• Southeast Asia Measles Surveillance Data
• European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control – Measles
• UNICEF Measles Vaccination Programs
• Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance – Measles Initiatives
• American Red Cross – Health Initiatives
• Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation – Vaccine Development