An estimated 10.3 million people contracted measles globally in 2023, marking a 20% increase compared to 2022, according to new data from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The surge is attributed to inadequate global immunization coverage, with millions of children missing out on life-saving vaccines.
Despite measles being preventable with two doses of a vaccine, more than 22 million children missed their first dose in 2023. Global immunization rates showed that 83% of children received their first dose, but only 74% completed the recommended second dose. Achieving 95% or higher coverage for both doses is critical to preventing outbreaks and controlling one of the most contagious human viruses.
“Measles vaccine has saved more lives than any other vaccine in the past 50 years,” stated Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “To save even more lives and stop this deadly virus from harming the most vulnerable, we must invest in immunization for every person, no matter where they live.”
The inadequate vaccination rates led to significant outbreaks in 57 countries, representing a nearly 60% increase from the 36 countries affected in 2022. The outbreaks were most prominent in the African, Eastern Mediterranean, European, South-East Asia, and Western Pacific regions. Almost half of the large outbreaks occurred in Africa, which remains disproportionately affected.
Measles-Related Deaths and Complications
While measles-related deaths declined by 8% in 2023 compared to the previous year, an estimated 107,500 people, mostly children under five, lost their lives to this preventable disease. Survivors often face serious health complications, including blindness, pneumonia, and encephalitis, which can have lifelong consequences.
Efforts to eliminate measles worldwide are at risk due to the recent surge in cases. As of the end of 2023, 82 countries had maintained or achieved measles elimination. Brazil was reverified as having eliminated the disease, making the Americas Region measles-free once again. However, urgent efforts are needed, especially in fragile and conflict-affected regions, to achieve global immunization targets.
A month ago, the Ghana Health Service kicked off a nationwide measles vaccination campaign, targeting children aged nine to 59 months. This critical initiative ran from 2 October to 6 October 2024, aiming to protect the country’s youngest citizens from measles outbreaks. This followed eight cases of measles recorded in the Volta Region.
Strengthening Immunization and Surveillance
WHO and CDC emphasize the need for targeted vaccination campaigns, particularly in high-risk regions. Strengthening disease surveillance, such as the Global Measles Rubella Laboratory Network (GMRLN), is critical for detecting and responding to outbreaks quickly.
The Measles & Rubella Partnership (M&RP), which includes organizations like UNICEF and Gavi, continues to advocate for improved vaccination coverage under the Immunization Agenda 2030. Collaborative efforts aim to reverse setbacks caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and accelerate progress toward a world free of measles and rubella.
For more information, the joint WHO and CDC report, Progress Toward Regional Measles Elimination — Worldwide, 2000–2023, outlines detailed data and recommendations.
