Global Measles Cases Surge to Over 10 Million in 2023 Amid Vaccine Decline, WHO Warns
The World Health Organization (WHO) and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have raised alarm over a resurgence of measles, with more than 10.3 million reported cases globally in 2023—a 20% increase from 2022. This sharp rise, attributed to declining vaccination rates, highlights significant gaps in immunization coverage worldwide.
Alarming Statistics and Rising Fatalities
Measles, one of the world’s most contagious diseases, claimed 107,500 lives in 2023, with most victims being children under the age of five. Although this marks an 8% decline in fatalities compared to the previous year, experts caution that the decrease primarily occurred in regions where children benefit from better nutrition and healthcare access.
Mandy Cohen, Director of the CDC, emphasized the critical role of vaccines: “The measles vaccine is our best protection against the virus, and we must continue to invest in efforts to increase access.”
Decline in Vaccination Rates
The report revealed that in 2023, only 83% of children globally received their first dose of the measles vaccine—a figure unchanged from 2022 but down from 86% before the COVID-19 pandemic. The coverage for the crucial second dose dropped even further to 74%. To prevent outbreaks, at least 95% coverage with two doses is needed.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus called for immediate action: “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.”
Regional Disparities and Outbreaks
In 2023, 57 countries experienced large-scale measles outbreaks, a significant increase from 36 countries in 2022. Nearly half of these outbreaks occurred in Africa, where vaccination coverage remains critically low. Other affected regions included the Eastern Mediterranean and parts of Asia.
The Americas region was a notable exception. Following Brazil’s re-verification of measles elimination, WHO declared the region free of endemic measles. However, global eradication goals set for 2030 remain at risk, with only 82 countries having achieved or maintained measles elimination by the end of 2023.
Urgent Call for Action
To curb the spread of measles, WHO and CDC are urging countries to implement high-performing immunization programs and ensure all children receive two vaccine doses, particularly in conflict-affected and fragile regions.
“This requires achieving and maintaining high-quality, high-coverage campaigns when routine programs fall short,” the agencies stated.
This growing health crisis underscores the urgent need for renewed investment in vaccination programs to protect vulnerable populations and achieve global measles elimination targets.
Source : Swifteradio.com
