Measles deaths fell sharply worldwide since 2000, but health experts now warn of a troubling resurgence.
The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that measles cases jumped 47 per cent in Europe and Central Asia last year, mainly due to falling vaccination rates. Global gains in reducing infections and deaths are beginning to reverse.
In 2024, measles killed an estimated 95,000 people, mostly children under five. That compares with 780,000 deaths in 2000. The WHO emphasized that every preventable death from a cheap, effective vaccine is unacceptable. Vaccination campaigns have saved nearly 59 million lives globally since 2000.
Rising Cases Highlight Weak Immunity
Global measles infections rose to about 11 million last year, nearly 800,000 more than before the pandemic. The WHO reported more than 120,000 cases in Europe and Central Asia, the highest level in over 25 years.
Officials recorded major outbreaks in 59 countries, almost triple the number reported in 2021. WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said measles “will exploit any gap in our collective defences.”
Health authorities blame growing vaccine hesitancy for the surge. Experts stress that at least 95 per cent of people must receive the vaccine to prevent outbreaks.
Last year, 84 per cent of children received their first measles dose, while 76 per cent received their second. This slight improvement added two million vaccinated children. Yet over 30 million children remained under-protected, mainly in Africa and the Eastern Mediterranean. Even highly vaccinated countries can face outbreaks in unvaccinated pockets.
Calls for Stronger Immunisation and Funding
The WHO warns that measles often resurges first when vaccination rates drop, exposing weaknesses in global health systems.
Children who survive measles face increased risks of pneumonia, blindness, and encephalitis, which can cause brain swelling and permanent damage.
WHO urges governments to increase funding and strengthen elimination programmes. Dr Tedros said, “When every child in every community is vaccinated, outbreaks vanish, lives are saved, and nations can eliminate measles” (WHO, 2025).
