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In a startling revelation by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the year 2023 witnessed a significant surge in measles cases worldwide, tallying an estimated 10.3 million. This marks a 20% increase compared to 2022, spotlighting a pressing public health concern largely driven by inadequate immunization coverage globally.
Despite measles being preventable with two doses of a vaccine, over 22 million children missed their first dose in 2023. Alarmingly, while 83% of children received their initial vaccine dose, only 74% were administered the crucial second dose. To ward off outbreaks and secure populations against this highly contagious virus, a 95% coverage rate of both vaccine doses is essential.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, emphasized the vaccine's life-saving impact, stating, "Measles vaccine has saved more lives than any other vaccine in the past 50 years. To save even more lives and stop this deadly virus from harming the most vulnerable, we must invest in immunization for every person, no matter where they live."
Concurring with this sentiment, CDC Director Mandy Cohen highlighted the critical role of vaccination : "The measles vaccine is our best protection against the virus, and we must continue to invest in efforts to increase access."
The gaps in vaccination coverage resulted in 57 countries experiencing significant or disruptive measles outbreaks in 2023, a stark increase of nearly 60% from the 36 countries affected in the previous year. The WHO African, Eastern Mediterranean, European, Southeast Asia, and Western Pacific regions faced substantial upsurges. Nearly half of all major outbreaks occurred in the African region.
While the estimated death toll due to measles saw an 8% decrease from the prior year, with 107,500 fatalities mostly among children under five, experts emphasize that the number remains too high. This decline is attributed to a rise in cases in regions where nutritional status and healthcare access are relatively better, allowing for higher survival rates.
Beyond survival, measles can lead to severe health complications such as blindness, pneumonia, and encephalitis, especially in infants and young children. As outbreaks rise, the global goal of measles elimination—part of the Immunization Agenda 2030—faces jeopardy.
Despite challenges, progress is apparent as 82 countries maintained or achieved measles elimination by the end of 2023. Recently, Brazil was reverified as measles-free, marking a return to measles-free status for the WHO Americas Region. However, for sustained success, urgent and targeted vaccination efforts are necessary, particularly in the African and Eastern Mediterranean regions, and in vulnerable settings. Such efforts involve bolstering routine immunization programs and executing high-quality campaigns in regions needing improved coverage.
Additionally, enhancing disease surveillance, including through the Global Measles Rubella Laboratory Network (GMRLN), is critical for optimizing vaccination efforts and swiftly addressing outbreaks.
This mea culpa on measles underscores the need for global cooperation under the Immunization Agenda 2030, guided by the Measles and Rubella Strategic Framework 2030, with support from entities such as the American Red Cross, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, United Nations Foundation, and UNICEF.
