Measles deaths dropped sharply since 2000, yet health officials report signs of global resurgence (WHO, 2025).
The World Health Organization (WHO) says measles cases surged 47 per cent in Europe and Central Asia last year, driven by falling vaccination rates. Global gains in reducing infections and deaths now risk reversal.
In 2024, measles killed an estimated 95,000 people worldwide, mostly children under five, down from 780,000 in 2000. WHO emphasised that every preventable death is unacceptable. Vaccination campaigns have saved nearly 59 million lives since 2000.
Infections Rise and Outbreaks Spread
Worldwide, measles infections reached 11 million last year, around 800,000 more than before the pandemic (WHO, 2025). Europe and Central Asia reported more than 120,000 cases in 2024, the highest in over 25 years.
Major outbreaks occurred in 59 countries, nearly triple the number reported in 2021. WHO chief Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the virus exploits any gaps in collective immunity.
Health officials blame growing vaccine refusal for outbreaks. Measles spreads rapidly, requiring at least 95 per cent vaccination coverage to achieve herd immunity.
Globally, 84 per cent of children received the first measles vaccine dose in 2024, while 76 per cent received the second. These numbers represent slight improvement, reaching two million more children. Yet over 30 million children, mostly in Africa and the Eastern Mediterranean, remain under-protected. Even highly vaccinated countries face outbreaks if unvaccinated pockets exist.
WHO Urges Stronger Action and Funding
WHO warns that measles resurges first when vaccination rates drop, exposing weaknesses in health systems and immunisation programmes.
Surviving measles increases children’s risk of pneumonia, blindness, and encephalitis, which can cause brain swelling and long-term damage.
WHO urges governments to increase funding and intensify global elimination campaigns. Dr Tedros stated, “Measles does not respect borders, but vaccinating every child can prevent outbreaks, save lives, and eliminate this disease nationally” (WHO, 2025).
References:
World Health Organization. (2025). Measles resurgence highlights global immunisation gaps. WHO.
