Global measles deaths dropped sharply since 2000, but health officials now warn of a dangerous resurgence.
The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that measles cases jumped 47 per cent in Europe and Central Asia last year, driven by declining vaccination coverage. Officials say global gains in reducing infections and deaths are slipping.
In 2024, measles killed roughly 95,000 people worldwide, mostly children under five, down from 780,000 in 2000. WHO stressed that every preventable death remains unacceptable. Vaccination campaigns have saved nearly 59 million lives globally since 2000 (WHO, 2025).
Outbreaks Expand Across Continents
Measles infections are rising worldwide, with an estimated 11 million cases last year, about 800,000 more than pre-pandemic levels. The WHO reported over 120,000 cases in Europe and Central Asia in 2024, the highest in 25 years.
Major outbreaks occurred in 59 countries, nearly triple the 2021 count. WHO chief Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said measles exploits every gap in public immunity. Officials highlight growing vaccine hesitancy as a key driver.
Health experts stress that at least 95 per cent of people must receive the measles vaccine to prevent outbreaks. Globally, 84 per cent of children received their first dose, while 76 per cent received the second, leaving over 30 million under-protected, mostly in Africa and the Eastern Mediterranean.
Urgent Call for Action
WHO warns that measles often resurfaces first when vaccination rates decline, exposing flaws in health systems worldwide.
Children who survive measles face higher risks of pneumonia, blindness, and encephalitis, which can cause severe brain damage.
WHO urges governments to boost funding and intensify elimination efforts. Dr Tedros said: “Measles does not respect borders. Vaccinating every child prevents costly outbreaks, saves lives, and can eliminate the disease nationally” (WHO, 2025).
Reference: World Health Organization (2025). Measles: Global situation report. Geneva: WHO.
