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 can misinformation about vaccines be effectively addressed to improve vaccination rates?
**Interview with Dr. Maria Dukov, Global Health Expert**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Dukov. The latest report from the WHO and CDC indicates a troubling rise in measles cases worldwide, with a 20% increase from last year. What are the primary factors contributing to this surge?
**Dr. Dukov:** Thank you for having me. The increase in measles cases can largely be attributed to stagnation in vaccination coverage. In 2023, we saw that only 83% of children globally received their first dose, and a mere 74% received the second dose of the vaccine. To achieve herd immunity and effectively control measles outbreaks, we really need that number to be at least 95%.
**Editor:** That’s concerning. The report also mentions disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic affecting vaccination rates. Can you elaborate on how this has played out?
**Dr. Dukov:** Absolutely. During the pandemic, many healthcare systems were overwhelmed, and routine vaccinations were postponed or canceled, leading to the lowest vaccination coverage in over a decade—81% in 2021. Despite efforts to catch up, we still haven’t returned to pre-pandemic levels, which were 86% in 2019. This decline has left an alarming number of children unprotected—approximately 22 million worldwide.
**Editor:** It’s clear there’s a significant gap. Which regions are experiencing the most severe measles outbreaks right now?
**Dr. Dukov:** The most affected areas are in Africa, the Near East, and South Asia. Fifty-seven countries reported major measles epidemics in 2023. This is alarming because it highlights not just a public health issue, but also the inequalities in access to healthcare and vaccinations across different regions.
**Editor:** What can be done to address this issue moving forward?
**Dr. Dukov:** We need intensified efforts to increase vaccination coverage through targeted campaigns, particularly in high-risk areas. Governments, NGOs, and international organizations must collaborate to ensure vaccines are accessible and that misinformation is addressed. Educating communities about the importance of vaccination is crucial to reversing this trend.
**Editor:** Thank you for your insights, Dr. Dukov. It’s clear that urgent action is needed to combat the rise of measles in our communities.
**Dr. Dukov:** Thank you for bringing attention to this critical issue. Together, we can make a difference.
