Measles vaccination coverage has not yet returned to pre-Covid levels globally, leading to a 20% increase in measles cases in 2023 compared to the previous year, as per a recent report from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released on Thursday.
The impact of the pandemic has hindered efforts to eliminate measles worldwide, putting children, especially those under the age of 5, at risk of a disease that can be fatal or cause long-term consequences like deafness. Natasha Crowcroft, the WHO’s senior technical advisor for measles and rubella, emphasized the importance of preventing measles-related deaths, which are entirely preventable.
In 2023, a total of 10.3 million measles cases were reported globally, with most regions experiencing an increase in cases. However, only the Americas and the eastern Mediterranean region saw a decline in cases. Despite the rise in cases, the number of deaths decreased by 8% from the previous year, totaling 107,500 deaths in 2023. This reduction in mortality rates could be attributed to the distribution of cases, with children in low-income countries or conflict zones facing higher risks due to malnutrition and limited access to healthcare.
Children infected with measles typically exhibit symptoms like high fever and a rash. While most individuals recover from the disease, severe complications can arise, such as pneumonia or encephalitis, which can lead to permanent brain damage. The measles vaccine is highly effective, but two doses are needed for optimal protection. Unfortunately, in 2023, only 83% of eligible children worldwide received the first dose, and just 74% received the second dose, underscoring the importance of increasing vaccination rates to prevent measles outbreaks.
Despite the commitment of all six WHO health regions to eliminating measles transmission, only the Americas region currently holds measles-free status. Crowcroft highlighted the challenges in maintaining political focus on measles prevention, especially amidst economic constraints that make progress difficult for many countries.
She emphasized the necessity of a global effort to ensure that every child receives the measles vaccine, as reaching vaccination targets remains a significant challenge. With more than 22 million children missing out on vaccination last year, there is a critical need to improve vaccine coverage rates to curb the spread of measles and protect vulnerable populations.
In conclusion, the resurgence of measles cases in 2023 underscores the importance of sustained vaccination efforts and public health interventions to prevent the further spread of this highly contagious disease. It is imperative for governments, healthcare providers, and communities to work together in promoting vaccination and ensuring that all children have access to life-saving immunizations.
