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, Kazakhstan accounts for almost half of this upsurge, while in the European Union, Romania is one 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 has the COVID-19 pandemic specifically affected routine vaccination schedules for children?
**Interview with Dr. Ana Marković, Pediatric Infectious Disease Specialist**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Marković. The latest report from WHO indicates a troubling rise in measles cases globally. What do you think is the primary reason behind this significant increase?
**Dr. Marković:** Thank you for having me. The primary reason for the surge in measles cases is indeed the stagnation of vaccination coverage. Despite the proven effectiveness of vaccines, many countries haven’t been able to maintain the necessary immunization rates, particularly in a post-pandemic context. With only 74% of children receiving the second dose of the measles vaccine, we are far from the 95% threshold needed for herd immunity.
**Editor:** That’s alarming. The report mentions that access to vaccines was disrupted during the pandemic. Can you elaborate on how the pandemic specifically impacted vaccination efforts?
**Dr. Marković:** Absolutely. During the pandemic, many healthcare resources were redirected towards COVID-19 responses, which unfortunately led to a decline in routine vaccinations. Parents were hesitant to visit hospitals or clinics, and many vaccination campaigns were halted or postponed. This scenario created a backlog of children who missed their scheduled vaccines, and as a consequence, we are now witnessing outbreaks in areas where the virus was previously under control.
**Editor:** With 57 countries experiencing major measles epidemics this year, particularly in Africa and South Asia, what steps can be taken to improve vaccination coverage moving forward?
**Dr. Marković:** There are several strategies that need to be implemented. First, we need to prioritize vaccination campaigns and outreach programs to reach the most vulnerable populations. Education is also crucial; we must inform people about the importance of vaccinations and dispel any myths surrounding them. Collaborating with community leaders can help build trust and encourage more parents to vaccinate their children. governments and health organizations must ensure that vaccines are accessible to all children, regardless of where they live.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Marković, for your insights. It’s clear that addressing this issue requires a collaborative and multifaceted approach. We appreciate your time.
**Dr. Marković:** Thank you for shedding light on this important topic. It’s vital that we all work together to protect the health of our children and communities.
