Measles deaths dropped sharply since 2000, but health experts warn of a growing resurgence.
The World Health Organization (WHO) reported a 47 per cent rise in measles cases across Europe and Central Asia last year, driven largely by declining vaccination rates. Officials note that worldwide progress in reducing infections and deaths is slipping.
In 2024, measles killed an estimated 95,000 people, mostly children under five. That compares with 780,000 deaths in 2000. The WHO stressed that every preventable death remains unacceptable. Vaccination campaigns have saved nearly 59 million lives globally since 2000.
Infections Climb as Coverage Falls
Health authorities recorded about 11 million measles infections worldwide last year, 800,000 more than before the pandemic.
The WHO said Europe and Central Asia reported more than 120,000 cases in 2024, the highest in over 25 years. Major outbreaks occurred in 59 countries, nearly triple the 2021 total.
WHO chief Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said, “Measles is the world’s most contagious virus, and it exploits any gap in our collective defences.”
Officials point to vaccine refusal as a major cause of rising outbreaks. Experts state that at least 95 per cent of the population must receive the vaccine to prevent measles spread.
Gaps in Protection Threaten Children
Globally, about 84 per cent of children received their first measles dose last year, while 76 per cent received the second. Two million more children gained vaccination coverage, but over 30 million remained under-protected, mainly in Africa and the Eastern Mediterranean.
Even countries with high overall coverage can face outbreaks if unvaccinated communities exist. The WHO warned that measles often resurfaces first when immunisation rates decline, revealing weaknesses in health systems.
Children who survive measles face higher risks of pneumonia, blindness, and encephalitis, which can cause brain swelling and permanent damage.
The WHO called for more funding and global efforts to eliminate measles. Dr Tedros stated, “Vaccinating every child prevents costly outbreaks, saves lives, and can eliminate measles nationally” (WHO, 2025).
