Global measles progress and challenges: WHO's latest epidemiological update

The World Health Organization (WHO) has published the latest edition of their Weekly Epidemiological Record. Among the findings are global measles data, including a warning against rising cases, according to an announcement.

WHO reported an 88% decline in measles deaths over the last 25 years. 2024 experienced one of the lowest death tolls since 2000, but the 95,000 deaths were preventable. Additional key findings:

• 2024 measles infections exceeded pre-pandemic rates by about 800,000.
• Cases in 2024 surged the most in the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region (86%).
• Cases and deaths are decreasing in the African Region.
• About 76% of children received both measles vaccine doses, 19% fewer than required coverage to prevent transmission and outbreaks. 
• 59 countries experienced “large or disruptive measles outbreaks.”
• More than half a million measles samples were tested in 2024 by over 760 laboratories.
• Only three more countries have eliminated measles since the COVID-19 pandemic.
• The Region of the Americas recently lost its measles elimination status.

WHO warns that measles can cause long-term complications and that receiving the vaccine is the best way to protect yourself and others. They concluded, “The IA2030 Mid-Term Review calls on countries and partners to strengthen routine immunization, surveillance and rapid outbreak response capabilities, and to deliver high-quality, high-coverage campaigns when routine immunization is not yet sufficient to protect every child.”