A stark warning from the World Health Organization (WHO) reveals an alarming global surge in measles outbreaks, leaving over 30 million children vulnerable to this deadly, yet preventable, disease. This burgeoning health crisis, fueled by pandemic disruptions and critical vaccination gaps, threatens to undo decades of progress against one of the world’s most contagious viruses. Understanding the root causes and urgent actions needed is paramount to protecting millions of lives.
Despite an 88 percent reduction in measles deaths since 2000, the virus tragically claimed approximately 95,000 lives last year, predominantly children. Officials from WHO, UNICEF, and Gavi emphasize that global outbreaks are accelerating rapidly. Millions of children remain under-immunized, a direct consequence of extensive disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Alarming Resurgence of Measles
Measles, notoriously one of the most contagious respiratory viruses, can spread quickly. A single infected person has the potential to transmit the virus to up to 18 others. Dr. Kate O’Brien, WHO’s Director of Immunization, Vaccines and Biologicals, stresses the severity: “Many people think measles is not serious – but it is, and it can be deadly. One in five infected children ends up in the hospital.”
The numbers paint a grim picture of this global health crisis. Last year, around 11 million people worldwide contracted measles, nearly 800,000 more than in the pre-pandemic era. In 2023 alone, an estimated 10.3 million cases were reported, a 20% increase from 2022. Most fatalities occurred in children under five, with about 80 percent concentrated in Africa and the Eastern Mediterranean regions. Alarmingly, 2024 has seen 59 countries grapple with large or disruptive outbreaks – nearly three times the number recorded in 2021. A quarter of these nations had previously achieved measles elimination status.
Why Are Children Unprotected? Understanding the Core Challenges
The tragic reality is that no child needs to suffer the devastating consequences of measles. Two doses of the measles vaccine provide a remarkable 95 percent protection. Yet, children remain unprotected because health systems are failing to reach them. Global vaccination coverage reveals significant gaps, leaving millions vulnerable to severe illness and death.
Last year, only 84 percent of children globally received their crucial first dose of the measles vaccine. Even more concerning, a mere 76 percent received the vital second dose. This deficit leaves as many as 30 million children under-protected against measles outbreaks. Three-quarters of these children reside in Africa and the Eastern Mediterranean, often in conflict-affected or highly mobile communities. Diana Chang-Blanc, Head of WHO’s Essential Programme on Immunization, reiterates a crucial point: “Measles respects no borders. A country is only protected when every child, everywhere is fully immunized.”
WHO identifies three primary factors driving this dangerous surge in child immunization gaps:
Pandemic-era Backsliding: Health workers were extensively diverted to the COVID-19 response, severely impacting routine immunization schedules and infrastructure.
Large Numbers of Zero-Dose Children: These children, who have not received any routine vaccines, are increasingly concentrated in fragile and conflict-ridden settings, making them incredibly difficult to reach.
- Weak Routine Vaccination Systems: Even in countries with otherwise strong health systems, routine vaccination programs often suffer from systemic weaknesses, leading to missed opportunities for immunization.
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The Broader Global Health Threat
The current resurgence of measles is part of a broader pattern of increasing outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases. A joint warning from WHO, UNICEF, and Gavi during World Immunization Week highlighted that significant progress in immunization is under severe threat. Beyond measles, other diseases are making dangerous comebacks. Africa saw a sharp rise in meningitis cases in 2024 and 2025, with over 5,500 suspected cases and nearly 300 deaths in the first three months of 2025 alone. Yellow fever cases are also climbing in Africa and the Americas.
This erosion of immunization progress isn’t just a concern for low-income nations. Countries across Europe and Central Asia have seen vaccination coverage decrease by an average of one percentage point since 2019. In 2024, over half of these nations failed to achieve the 95% vaccination rate necessary for measles herd immunity. Alarmingly, the UK has been identified as the worst performer among G7 nations for MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) immunization coverage, with only 89% of children receiving their first MMR jab in 2024. This contrasts sharply with Germany (96%), France, Italy, and Japan (all 95%), and the US and Canada (both 92%). This creates dangerous immunity gaps that fuel more frequent and severe measles outbreaks.
Battling Misinformation and Funding Shortfalls
Misinformation, particularly online, poses a significant challenge to vaccination efforts. Dr. O’Brien acknowledges that false claims erode trust. However, she clarifies that access gaps, rather than vaccine hesitancy, remain the single biggest barrier to halting measles outbreaks. Parents universally desire the best for their children; what they truly need is reliable information coupled with an accessible health system that can reach them. She calls for political, community, and religious leaders to disseminate accurate, evidence-based information, recognizing that trust is fundamental to the success of vaccination programs.
Adding to the complexity, these outbreaks are occurring amidst significant global funding cuts. A WHO survey found that nearly half of 108 country offices, predominantly in low- and lower-middle-income nations, are experiencing moderate to severe disruptions to vaccination campaigns, routine immunization, and supply access due to reduced donor funding. Disease surveillance for vaccine-preventable diseases is also impacted in over half of these countries. Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, emphasizes that while vaccines have saved over 150 million lives in the past five decades, these “hard-won gains” are now jeopardized by current funding shortfalls.
A Path Forward: Urgent Action and Renewed Commitment
Despite the daunting challenges, there is still an opportunity to course-correct and protect millions of children. The global “Big Catch-Up” campaign has already vaccinated over 11 million children and is set to continue through 2025. This initiative, alongside the Gavi and UNICEF agreement to cut the cost of a key malaria vaccine, demonstrates the power of collective action.
To effectively combat measles outbreaks and other vaccine-preventable diseases, WHO stresses the critical need for countries to implement stronger surveillance systems. Faster outbreak responses and a renewed political commitment to achieve the Immunization Agenda 2030 targets are also essential. UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell underscores the urgency, stating, “We cannot allow confidence in routine immunizations to become another victim of the pandemic.” She highlights that continued investment in initiatives like the “Big Catch-Up initiative” is deemed critical. Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, is actively seeking at least $9 billion in new funding ahead of its pledging summit on June 25, 2025. This vital funding aims to protect an additional 500 million children and save 8 million lives from 2026-2030.
Dr. Hans Kluge, WHO regional director for Europe, urges countries to invest in robust local health systems. He emphasizes ensuring vaccine availability and accessibility in every neighborhood, alongside actively combating misinformation. Vaccines not only offer self-protection but also act as an act of solidarity, safeguarding vulnerable communities such as infants too young to be vaccinated or individuals with medical contraindications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are global measles outbreaks surging despite past progress?
Global measles outbreaks are surging due to a confluence of factors, primarily linked to disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Health workers were diverted, leading to backsliding in routine child immunization programs. This has resulted in a significant increase in “zero-dose children” – those who have received no vaccines – particularly in fragile and conflict-affected settings. Weak routine vaccination systems, even in otherwise strong health infrastructures, also contribute. Furthermore, misinformation erodes public trust, although access gaps remain the biggest barrier. This has left over 30 million children under-protected, reversing decades of progress.
Which regions are most affected by the current measles immunization crisis?
The measles immunization crisis is globally widespread, but certain regions are disproportionately affected. Africa and the Eastern Mediterranean regions account for approximately 80% of measles deaths and three-quarters of the 30 million under-protected children. Many of these children live in conflict-affected or highly mobile communities. Alarmingly, Europe and Central Asia have also seen a decline in vaccination coverage, with over half of countries failing to reach herd immunity targets. The UK, specifically, is noted as the worst performer among G7 nations for MMR coverage, highlighting that this is a global concern impacting diverse economies.
What steps can be taken to combat the global measles threat and protect children?
Combating the global measles threat requires a multi-faceted approach. Urgent steps include strengthening routine child immunization programs globally, focusing on “catch-up” vaccination campaigns for the millions of children who missed doses. Countries need stronger disease surveillance and faster outbreak response mechanisms. Renewed political commitment to the Immunization Agenda 2030 targets is critical, alongside increased funding for global health initiatives like Gavi. Addressing misinformation through reliable, evidence-based communication from trusted leaders is also vital. Ultimately, ensuring accessible and equitable health systems that can reach every child with two doses of vaccine is paramount.
Conclusion
The global resurgence of measles outbreaks is a critical reminder of the fragility of public health gains. The alarming rise in cases and the millions of unprotected children underscore the urgent need for a renewed, concerted global effort. With effective vaccines readily available, no child should suffer or die from measles. Through sustained political will, robust health system investments, and a collective commitment to accurate information, we can close immunity gaps, rebuild trust, and ensure a healthier, more protected future for every child, everywhere.
