A recent report indicates that the global vaccination rates for measles in children, which had declined during the Covid-19 pandemic, have almost returned to pre-pandemic levels. However, the number of measles cases exceeded pre-Covid levels in 2024, as reported by the World Health Organization (WHO).
The WHO’s annual measles assessment, released in the Weekly Epidemiological Record, covers data from the previous year. It does not address the current measles outbreaks in the United States and Canada, which have caused Canada to lose its measles-free status and raised questions about the US’s measles elimination status.
Dr. Kate O’Brien, the head of the WHO’s Department of Immunization, Vaccines, and Biologicals, highlighted the significant impact of global measles vaccination efforts. These efforts have prevented nearly 59 million deaths from measles between 2000 and 2024.
During a recent news conference discussing the report, Dr. O’Brien emphasized that the measles vaccine has been the most effective childhood immunization in saving lives over the past five decades. She praised the coordinated global action that has led to this remarkable public health achievement.
Dr. O’Brien described measles outbreaks as a warning sign for the overall status of immunization programs. When herd immunity decreases due to low vaccination rates, it takes time for the consequences to become apparent. However, measles is highly contagious, so even small declines in vaccination coverage can lead to a rise in infections.
The report estimates that there were approximately 11 million measles cases in 2024, an 8% increase from 2019. Despite the rise in cases, the number of deaths decreased to 95,000, an 11% drop from 2019. This discrepancy in case numbers and deaths is attributed to the distribution of outbreaks, with higher death rates in low-income countries but a higher number of cases in middle-income countries.
In 2024, around 84% of children globally had received at least one dose of the measles vaccine. However, two doses are recommended for full protection against measles transmission. The report states that only 76% of children received both doses of the measles vaccine in 2024.
The WHO report underscores the importance of maintaining high vaccination coverage to prevent measles outbreaks and protect vulnerable populations worldwide. Efforts to close immunization gaps and strengthen vaccination programs are crucial to ensuring global health security and preventing the resurgence of vaccine-preventable diseases.
