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 main factors contributing to the rise of measles cases globally according to Dr. Marković?
**Interview with Dr. Elena Marković, Public Health Expert on the Rise of Measles Cases Worldwide**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Marković. The recent report from the World Health Organization indicated a significant rise in measles cases globally. Can you give us an overview of the current situation?
**Dr. Marković:** Thank you for having me. Yes, the data is indeed concerning. In 2023, we saw approximately 10.3 million measles cases reported worldwide, which marks a 20% increase compared to 2022. This surge is alarming and largely stems from a decline in vaccination coverage, especially in some regions of Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia.
**Editor:** What do we know about the vaccination rates and how they impact herd immunity?
**Dr. Marković:** Currently, only about 83% of children worldwide have received their first dose of measles vaccine, and even fewer—about 74%—have received the second dose. For a population to achieve herd immunity and effectively control measles, we ideally need at least 95% vaccination coverage. Unfortunately, the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic have hindered vaccination efforts, with the lowest coverage rates recorded since 2008.
**Editor:** Why is it important for vaccination coverage to return to pre-pandemic levels?
**Dr. Marković:** Returning to pre-pandemic vaccination levels is crucial because it not only protects children from measles but also prevents potential outbreaks that can affect entire communities. With around 22 million children still unprotected, the risks are high. In 2023, 57 countries experienced significant measles outbreaks due to falling vaccination rates, impacting any efforts toward global health stability.
**Editor:** What can be done to improve vaccination coverage and protect children from measles?
**Dr. Marković:** We need a concerted effort from governments, health organizations, and communities. Increasing awareness about the importance of vaccinations, making vaccines more accessible, and executing catch-up immunization campaigns for those who missed their doses during the pandemic are essential steps. Additionally, combatting misinformation about vaccines is vital in gaining public trust and participation in vaccination programs.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Marković, for shedding light on this critical issue. Your insights are incredibly valuable as we navigate the challenge of measles resurgence and strive to improve public health worldwide.
**Dr. Marković:** Thank you for having me. It’s crucial that we all work together to protect our children against preventable diseases like measles.
