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 public health systems improve vaccination rates to achieve herd immunity against measles?
**Interview with Dr. Elena Markovic, Public Health Expert**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Markovic. The recent report from WHO and the CDC highlighted a concerning increase in measles cases worldwide. What are your thoughts on this alarming trend?
**Dr. Markovic:** Thank you for having me. Yes, the increase to 10.3 million cases in 2023 is a stark wake-up call for global health. It emphasizes the urgent need to prioritize vaccination efforts, especially as we see a significant drop in coverage since the pandemic.
**Editor:** The report mentions that only 83% of children received their first dose and just 74% received their second dose of the measles vaccine. What factors do you believe are contributing to this stagnation in vaccination rates?
**Dr. Markovic:** Several factors are at play. One major issue is the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has limited access to vaccination services and decreased parental confidence in routine immunizations. Additionally, misinformation about vaccines has proliferated, leading to hesitancy. We also cannot ignore the logistical challenges faced by healthcare systems in many countries, particularly in regions experiencing conflict or instability.
**Editor:** With 57 countries experiencing significant outbreaks in 2023, what can be done to address this vaccine gap?
**Dr. Markovic:** It will require a multi-faceted approach. Countries need to invest in outreach programs to identify and reach unvaccinated children, ensuring that families understand the importance of vaccination. Increasing international cooperation and support for healthcare systems in underserved areas is crucial. Public awareness campaigns can also help combat misinformation and build community trust in vaccines.
**Editor:** The report noted that ideally, 95% of children should have access to both doses to achieve herd immunity. What steps can governments take to reach this threshold?
**Dr. Markovic:** Governments should work to enhance access by making vaccines available in more locations, such as schools and community centers. Furthermore, they must strengthen public health infrastructure to better track vaccination coverage and target interventions in areas with low rates. Lastly, collaboration with organizations like WHO and UNICEF can provide valuable resources and guidance to improve vaccination campaigns.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Markovic, for sharing your insights on this critical issue. It sounds like a concerted global effort is essential to turn the tide on measles cases.
**Dr. Markovic:** Absolutely. It’s crucial for the health of future generations that we prioritize vaccinations now. Thank you for shedding light on this important topic.
