Measles Resurgence: A Summary of Key Information
Here’s a breakdown of the key information from the provided text regarding the global measles situation:
The Problem:
* Resurgence: Measles is experiencing a significant resurgence globally, with outbreaks nearly tripling between 2021 and 2024. 2025 saw outbreaks in numerous countries in the Americas.
* Complications: Even with improved nutrition and healthcare, measles can lead to serious, lifelong complications like blindness, pneumonia, and encephalitis.
* Insufficient Immunization: While immunization rates are improving, they are still below the 95% coverage needed for herd immunity. In 2024, 84% received the first dose and 76% the second. Over 30 million children remain under-protected.
* Vulnerable Populations: The majority of under-immunized children are in Africa and the Eastern Mediterranean, often in fragile or conflict-affected areas.
* Funding Cuts: Cuts to funding for measles surveillance and immunization programs threaten to worsen the situation.
Key Statistics (as of late 2025/early 2026 based on the text):
* Countries with Elimination: 96 countries have eliminated measles (up from 81 in 2024).
* Recent Eliminations: Pacific island countries and areas, Cabo Verde, Mauritius, and Seychelles were recently verified for elimination. These are the first in the WHO African Region to achieve this.
* Regional Elimination (Lost): The Americas regained elimination status in 2024 but lost it again in November 2025 due to transmission in Canada.
* Outbreaks: 59 countries reported large or disruptive outbreaks in 2024.
Progress & challenges:
* Improved Surveillance: Measles surveillance has improved, with increased testing through the Global Measles and Rubella Laboratory Network (GMRLN).
* IA2030: The Immunization Agenda 2030 (IA2030) aims for measles elimination, but progress is slow.Measles often resurfaces when vaccination coverage declines.
* Pockets of Vulnerability: Even in countries with high overall coverage, unvaccinated communities can lead to outbreaks.
What’s Needed:
* Political Commitment: Strong political will is crucial.
* Sustained Investment: Continued funding for immunization programs and surveillance systems is essential.
* Strengthened Systems: Improvements are needed in routine immunization, surveillance, and rapid outbreak response.
* high-Quality Campaigns: Targeted vaccination campaigns are needed where routine immunization isn’t enough.
In essence, the text paints a picture of a disease that, while preventable, is making a perilous comeback due to gaps in immunization coverage and challenges in maintaining robust public health infrastructure.
