2024-11-14 18:00:00
Vaccination against measles, in a hospital in Podgorica, capital of Montenegro, February 16, 2020. SAVO PRELEVIC / AFP
The number of measles cases worldwide is increasing, while vaccination coverage stagnates. In 2023, 10.3 million cases of this highly contagious viral disease were recorded, an increase of 20% compared to the previous year, according to estimates published jointly, Thursday, November 14, by the World Health Organization. Health (WHO) and the US government agency the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
This clear increase is primarily due to insufficient vaccination coverage in many countries. Globally, it is estimated that 83% of children have received a first dose of vaccine, and only 74% have been administered a second injection. However, for a population to be immunized, we consider that 95% of children must have access to this two-dose vaccination schedule.
Access to these vaccines has been disrupted by the coronavirus pandemic, reaching vaccination coverage of only 81% in 2021, the lowest level since 2008. While many efforts have been made to reach the approximately 22 million children unprotected from the virus, vaccination coverage still remains below pre-pandemic levels (86% in 2019). As a result, 57 countries experienced a major measles epidemic in 2023, mainly in Africa, the Near East, the Middle East and South Asia.
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Despite this increase in cases in one year, the number of deaths from the disease decreased by 8%, from 116,800 victims in 2022 to 107,500 in 2023. This is notably explained by by the fact that “the increase in cases has occurred in countries and regions where children with measles are less likely to die, due to better nutritional status and better access to health services”explain the organizations in a press release published Thursday.
The WHO Europe region, a vast territory stretching from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean and bringing together 53 countries, saw the number of patients explode in 2023, going from an incidence of 0.9 cases per million inhabitants in 2022 to 74.7 in 2023. On the Central Asian side, it is Kazakhstan which accounts for almost half of this upsurge, while in the European Union, Romania is part of the most affected countries.
Eradication possible
“The increase in cases is certainly significant in the Europe region, but from a low threshold”nuance Natasha Crowcroft, WHO technical advisor for measles and rubella. Mortality is lower there than elsewhere (22 deaths in 2023) because vaccination coverage is high, at 95% for the first dose and 91% for the second. “But more than 70% of deaths occur in Africa”specifies the advisor, with nearly 76,000 deaths in 2023.
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How are health organizations working to address vaccination gaps in underserved communities?
**Interview: Global Health Expert Discusses Surge in Measles Cases and Vaccination Challenges**
**Interviewer:** Today, we have Dr. Maria Gonzalez, a global health expert and epidemiologist, with us to discuss the concerning rise in measles cases globally and the vaccination challenges we face. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Gonzalez.
**Dr. Gonzalez:** Thank you for having me; it’s a crucial topic to discuss.
**Interviewer:** The World Health Organization recently reported a 20% increase in measles cases worldwide, with 10.3 million cases recorded in 2023. What are the main factors contributing to this surge?
**Dr. Gonzalez:** The rise in cases is primarily due to insufficient vaccination coverage. Although about 83% of children received their first dose of the measles vaccine, only 74% have received the second dose. To achieve herd immunity, we need at least 95% of children fully vaccinated. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic further disrupted vaccination efforts, dropping coverage to 81% in 2021—the lowest since 2008.
**Interviewer:** It seems like access to vaccinations has been severely interrupted. Can you elaborate on the groups that have been most affected?
**Dr. Gonzalez:** Absolutely. Approximately 22 million children worldwide remain unprotected against measles, particularly in regions like Africa, the Near East, and South Asia. Many of these areas are experiencing significant outbreaks, with 57 countries reporting major epidemics in 2023. Factors such as healthcare resource allocation, misinformation about vaccines, and ongoing crises have also played a role in these disparities.
**Interviewer:** What steps are being taken to address these vaccination gaps?
**Dr. Gonzalez:** Various initiatives are underway to catch up on missed vaccinations. Health organizations, including WHO and UNICEF, are mobilizing resources and awareness campaigns to reach unvaccinated children. Community outreach and education are crucial to dispelling myths about vaccinations and ensuring parents understand the importance of immunization.
**Interviewer:** Given these challenges, how critical is it for governments and communities to prioritize vaccination now?
**Dr. Gonzalez:** It’s imperative. Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to prevent outbreaks. Governments must prioritize vaccination programs and address the barriers that prevent access—whether logistical, economic, or educational. It’s not just about protecting individual children; it’s about safeguarding entire communities.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Gonzalez, for sharing your insights on this pressing issue. It’s clear that a collective effort is needed to combat the resurgence of measles globally.
**Dr. Gonzalez:** Thank you for having me. Raising awareness and taking action now can make a significant difference in public health.