Global measles deaths dropped sharply since 2000, yet health officials report worrying signs of resurgence (WHO, 2025).
Europe and Central Asia saw a 47% rise in measles cases last year, largely due to declining vaccination rates. WHO data show that 21st-century gains in reducing infections and deaths are now slipping.
In 2024, measles killed an estimated 95,000 people worldwide, mostly children under five, down from 780,000 in 2000. The WHO called every preventable death “unacceptable.” Vaccination campaigns have saved nearly 59 million lives since 2000.
Vaccination Gaps Fuel Global Outbreaks
Measles infections reached roughly 11 million last year, 800,000 higher than pre-pandemic levels. Earlier in 2024, Europe and Central Asia recorded over 120,000 cases—the highest in 25 years. Major outbreaks occurred in 59 countries, nearly triple the 2021 total (WHO, 2025).
WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said measles “exploits any gap in collective defences against it.” The agency identified growing vaccine refusal as a key factor. Experts say at least 95% of people must be immunised to prevent outbreaks.
Globally, about 84% of children received a first measles dose, and 76% received a second in 2024, up slightly from the previous year. Still, more than 30 million children remained under-protected, mostly in Africa and the Eastern Mediterranean. Even highly vaccinated countries face outbreaks if pockets of unvaccinated children exist.
Urgent Calls for Stronger Immunisation Programs
The WHO warned measles often resurges first when vaccination rates decline, highlighting global health system weaknesses.
Children who survive measles face higher risks of pneumonia, blindness, and encephalitis, which can cause permanent brain damage.
The agency urged governments to boost funding and intensify elimination efforts. Dr Tedros emphasized, “Measles does not respect borders. Full vaccination can prevent outbreaks, save lives, and eliminate the disease nationally” (WHO, 2025).
Reference:
World Health Organization (2025). Measles: Global Trends and Resurgence Warnings. WHO.
