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 collaboration between different organizations help improve vaccination coverage in underserved regions?
**Interview with Dr. Elena Marković, Immunologist and Public Health Expert**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Marković. The recent report from the WHO and CDC highlights a concerning increase in measles cases worldwide. Can you provide us with some context on this situation?
**Dr. Marković:** Of course. The rise in measles cases is indeed alarming. In 2023, we saw over 10 million reported cases, which is a significant increase of 20% compared to 2022. This spike is largely attributed to inadequate vaccination coverage, which has stagnated in many regions.
**Editor:** What are the specific vaccination statistics that underline the issue?
**Dr. Marković:** Currently, about 83% of children globally have received their first dose of the measles vaccine, but only 74% have received the crucial second dose. To achieve herd immunity, we ideally need 95% coverage for both doses. The pandemic disrupted vaccination campaigns, reducing coverage to just 81% in 2021, the lowest since 2008, and sadly, we haven’t fully recovered.
**Editor:** You mentioned that certain regions are experiencing major outbreaks. Could you elaborate on where these outbreaks are occurring and why?
**Dr. Marković:** Yes, in 2023, 57 countries reported significant measles epidemics, particularly in Africa, the Near East, and South Asia. Weak healthcare infrastructure, ongoing conflicts, and the challenges posed by the pandemic have made it difficult to reach unvaccinated populations. Many of these regions struggle with access to healthcare, which exacerbates the situation.
**Editor:** What steps can be taken to increase vaccination coverage moving forward?
**Dr. Marković:** It’s crucial to prioritize vaccination as a public health priority. We need targeted outreach programs to educate communities about the importance of the vaccine and to make vaccinations more accessible, especially in underserved areas. Collaboration between governments, NGOs, and international health organizations will be key in addressing these gaps.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Marković, for your insights into this critical issue. It’s clear that urgent action is needed to combat the rise in measles cases globally.
**Dr. Marković:** Thank you for having me. It’s important that we continue to raise awareness about the need for vaccination to protect our children and communities.
