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 Covid-19 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, notably saw the number of patients explode in 2023, going from an incidence of 0.9 cases per one 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 affected routine immunizations and measles vaccination efforts according to Dr. Novak?
**Interview with Dr. Maria Novak, Public Health Expert**
**Date: November 14, 2023**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Novak. The recent report from WHO and the CDC paints a concerning picture about measles vaccination rates. Can you summarize the key points from that report?
**Dr. Novak:** Absolutely. The report highlights a staggering 20% increase in measles cases worldwide in 2023, with an estimated 10.3 million cases reported. This surge is largely attributed to stagnant vaccination coverage. While 83% of children have received their first dose, only 74% have received the second, which is crucial for effective population immunity. Ideally, we need 95% coverage to protect communities fully.
**Editor:** It sounds like the COVID-19 pandemic has had a lasting impact on vaccination efforts. Can you elaborate on that?
**Dr. Novak:** Yes, the disruption caused by the pandemic severely impacted routine immunizations. Vaccination rates fell to 81% in 2021, the lowest since 2008. Despite recovery efforts, we’re still below pre-pandemic levels, which were around 86% in 2019. The consequences have been dire; we’ve seen significant measles outbreaks in 57 countries, particularly in regions like Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia.
**Editor:** What are the main barriers preventing higher vaccination rates, especially in the countries most affected?
**Dr. Novak:** The barriers are multifaceted. There are logistical challenges, including vaccine distribution and access in remote areas. Additionally, misinformation about vaccines has been a growing challenge, leading to hesitancy. Countries with overwhelmed healthcare systems, especially post-COVID, struggle to prioritize routine immunizations.
**Editor:** What measures can be taken to improve vaccination coverage and curb this epidemic?
**Dr. Novak:** First and foremost, public health campaigns are essential to raise awareness about the importance of vaccination. It’s also crucial to improve access to healthcare, ensuring that routine immunizations are prioritized. Engaging communities and addressing misinformation through education can make a significant difference. international cooperation and funding are needed to support vaccinations in underfunded regions.
**Editor:** Thank you for your insights, Dr. Novak. It’s clear that addressing the measles vaccination gap is critical in safeguarding children’s health worldwide.
**Dr. Novak:** Thank you for having me. It’s vital we act swiftly to protect future generations from preventable diseases like measles.
