Global measles cases surged by 20% in 2023, infecting an estimated 10.3 million people, according to new data from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The rise in cases, attributed to inadequate vaccination coverage, underscores the urgent need to address global immunization gaps.
Despite the availability of an effective vaccine, more than 22 million children missed their first dose in 2023. Only 83% of children worldwide received the first dose of the measles vaccine last year, while just 74% received the critical second dose. WHO stresses that 95% coverage of two doses is necessary to prevent outbreaks and safeguard communities from this highly contagious disease.
“The measles vaccine has saved more lives than any other vaccine in the past 50 years,” said WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. “To stop this deadly virus and protect the most vulnerable, we must ensure immunization for everyone, no matter where they live.”
Death Toll
Measles remains deadly, with an estimated 107,500 people—mostly children under five—dying from the disease in 2023. While this represents an 8% decrease from 2022, the high mortality rate emphasizes the dire consequences of vaccination gaps. Survivors of measles often face severe complications, including blindness, pneumonia, and encephalitis, leading to long-term health issues.
Ghana’s Immunization Response
In Ghana, the fight against measles took center stage last month when the Ghana Health Service launched a nationwide vaccination campaign targeting children aged nine to 59 months. The campaign, held from October 2 to October 6, 2024, aimed to prevent outbreaks following eight confirmed cases in the Volta Region earlier this year.
Regional and Global Impacts
Large or disruptive outbreaks were reported in 57 countries in 2023, nearly a 60% increase from 36 countries in 2022. The WHO African, Eastern Mediterranean, and South-East Asia regions were hardest hit, with Africa accounting for nearly half of the significant outbreaks.
While 82 countries achieved or maintained measles elimination by the end of 2023, progress remains fragile. Recent successes, such as Brazil’s revalidation as a measles-free country, highlight the importance of high vaccination coverage and robust health systems.
Strengthening Global Efforts
WHO and CDC emphasize the need for urgent and targeted vaccination campaigns, particularly in fragile and conflict-affected regions. Strengthening disease surveillance and improving routine immunization programs are critical to mitigating outbreaks and accelerating progress toward global measles elimination.
The alarming increase in measles cases calls for collective global action to protect vulnerable populations and meet the elimination goals outlined in the Immunization Agenda 2030.