Officials said global outbreaks are accelerating as millions of children remain underimmunized after years of COVID-19 pandemic-related disruptions.
“Measles remains one of the most contagious respiratory viruses,” said Dr Kate O’Brien, WHO Director of Immunisation, Vaccines and Biological Medicines.
“One person can infect up to 18 others. Many people think that measles is not serious – but it is, and it can be fatal. One in five infected children end up in hospital.”
Last year, around 11 million people worldwide were infected, almost 800,000 more than in the pre-pandemic period. Most of the deaths occurred in children under the age of five, with about 80 percent in Africa and the eastern Mediterranean.
“But no child needs to suffer the consequences of measles,” emphasized Dr. O’Brien. “Two doses of vaccine provide 95 percent protection. The tragedy is that children are unprotected because the system does not reach them.”
Outbreaks tripled since 2021
Measles outbreaks continue to rise sharply. In 2024, 59 countries experienced major or disruptive outbreaks – almost three times as many as in 2021 – and a quarter of them had previously eliminated measles.
Only 84 percent of children globally received their first dose of measles vaccine last year, but only 76 percent received the crucial second dose – leaving as many as 30 million children underprotected. Three-quarters of them were in Africa and the Eastern Mediterranean, many in conflict-affected or highly mobile societies.
“Measles respects no borders,” said Diana Chang-Blanc, Director of WHO’s Essential Program on Immunization.A country is only protected when every child everywhere is fully immunized.“
Why the cases are increasing
According to the WHO, three factors are driving the increase:
The setback of the pandemicAce health workers were diverted to the COVID-19 response
Large number of zero-dose childrennow concentrated in fragile and conflict situations
Weak routine vaccination systemseven in otherwise strong health systems
Vaccine misinformation and restricted access
Dr. O’Brien also addressed misinformation about vaccines, stating that false claims — especially online — undermine trust, but noted that access gaps, not hesitation, remain the biggest barrier to stopping measles.
“The biggest barrier is access, not hesitation,” she said. “Parents everywhere want the best for their children. What they need is reliable information and a health system that can reach them.“
Still, she urged political, community and religious leaders to “share accurate, evidence-based information,” noting that trust is “the beginning, middle and end of successful vaccination programs.”
A chance to course correct
More than 11 million children have already been vaccinated through the global “Big Catch-Up” campaign, which will continue until 2025.
But the WHO said countries need stronger surveillance, faster outbreak response and renewed political commitment to meet the Immunization Agenda 2030 targets.
