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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What are the primary obstacles to improving vaccination coverage as mentioned by Dr. Jovanović?
**Interview with Dr. Elena Jovanović, Public Health Expert**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Jovanović. The recent report from the WHO and CDC notes a significant increase in measles cases worldwide in 2023. Can you explain what this surge means for public health?
**Dr. Jovanović:** Thank you for having me. The rising measles cases, totaling 10.3 million in 2023, is alarming. It underscores the critical gaps in vaccination coverage that we need to address. Measles is highly contagious and can lead to severe complications, particularly in unvaccinated populations. This surge is a wake-up call for health authorities globally.
**Interviewer:** The report indicates that only 83% of children received their first vaccine dose and only 74% their second. Why isn’t vaccination coverage improving?
**Dr. Jovanović:** Several factors play a role. The COVID-19 pandemic severely disrupted health services, leading to a drop in routine vaccinations. Additionally, misinformation about vaccines, access issues, and healthcare disparities have hindered efforts to immunize children effectively. We’re not reaching the 95% coverage necessary to achieve herd immunity.
**Interviewer:** It was mentioned that 57 countries experienced major measles epidemics this year. Which regions are most affected, and why?
**Dr. Jovanović:** The most affected regions are primarily in Africa, the Near East, the Middle East, and South Asia. These areas often face challenges such as weak health systems, ongoing conflict, and socio-economic factors that limit access to healthcare. In some cases, communities may also lack trust in vaccines due to misinformation.
**Interviewer:** What actions can governments and health organizations take to reverse this trend and increase vaccination rates?
**Dr. Jovanović:** Governments must prioritize public health messaging to counter misinformation and promote vaccine safety and efficacy. Additionally, ensuring equitable access to vaccinations, investing in healthcare infrastructure, and engaging community leaders can help restore trust and encourage vaccination. Also, initiatives targeting those 22 million unprotected children are vital.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, Dr. Jovanović, what can parents do to protect their children from measles?
**Dr. Jovanović:** Parents should ensure their children are up to date with their vaccinations. They can consult healthcare providers, participate in community vaccination programs, and advocate for better healthcare access in their areas. Being informed and proactive is key to preventing outbreaks.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for your insights, Dr. Jovanović. It’s essential that we work together to combat this rising public health issue.
**Dr. Jovanović:** Thank you for having me and for bringing attention to this critical matter.
