The World Health Organization (WHO) warned on Tuesday that more than half of the world’s countries could be at high risk of measles outbreaks by the end of the year unless urgent action is taken.
This surge in measles cases across many nations is attributed to low vaccination rates during the COVID-19 pandemic, when health systems were overwhelmed and routine immunizations for preventable diseases were delayed.
“We are concerned this year, 2024, about the large gaps in our immunity,” said Natasha Krokroft, senior technical advisor for measles and rubella at the WHO. “Unless these gaps are rapidly filled with vaccines, measles will exploit them.”
She added that data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the WHO shows “more than half of countries could be at high or very high risk of outbreaks by the end of this year.”
Krokroft urged for immediate action to protect children, highlighting a “lack of commitment” from governments preoccupied with other issues like economic crises and conflicts.
Measles is a highly contagious viral infection spread through the air, primarily affecting children under five. It is preventable with two doses of a vaccine. According to the WHO, over 50 million deaths have been averted since 2000.
Data shows measles cases increased by 79% last year, reaching 300,000 reported cases, believed to be only a fraction of the actual number.
Outbreaks have been reported in all WHO regions except the Americas, but Krokroft anticipates outbreaks there as well.
Mortality rates are higher in low-income countries due to weaker healthcare systems, but Krokroft emphasized that outbreaks and deaths also pose a threat to middle- and high-income countries.
“There are many outbreaks happening around the world, middle-income countries are really struggling, and we are worried that 2024 could be like 2019,” she concluded.
