Measles cases increased by 20% globally in 2023, according to the latest report from the World Health Organization.
- Worldwide, the WHO has recorded 10.3 million cases of measles in 2023.
- This represents an increase of 20% compared to the previous year.
- Insufficient vaccination coverage globally is behind the increase in the number of cases.
“The number of cases of measles virus infection is increasing around the world, compromising the health of populations and putting lives at risk,” warns Dr. Mandy Cohen, director of the CDC, in a press release from the World Health Organization (WHO). And the progression – to which the specialist refers – turns out to be significant, since the health authorities estimate that cases have increased by 20% in one year to reach 10.3 million patients in 2023.
Measles: vaccination still insufficient
The reason for this increase in measles cases according to the WHO? Insufficient vaccination coverage. In fact, to stop the circulation of the virus, 95% of the population would need to have two doses of the vaccine. However, in 2023, only 83% of children have received their first injection and 74% of them have received the recommended second. According to estimates by the authors of the report, more than 22 million children will not have received their first dose of vaccine in 2023.
“Due to gaps in vaccination coverage globally, 57 countries experienced significant or disruptive measles outbreaks in 2023, a number up almost 60% from 36 countries the previous year, all the Regions being affected with the exception of the Americas”adds the WHO. Africa, Southeast Asia, Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean and Western Pacific regions saw the largest increases in the number of cases.
“The measles vaccine has saved more lives than any other vaccine in the last 50 years”recalls Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the WHO. “To save even more lives and prevent this deadly virus from harming the most vulnerable, we must invest in vaccinating every person, no matter where they live.”
Measles: “far too many children are still dying from this preventable disease”
In 2023, around 107,500 people, mainly children under the age of 5, will die from measles. “While this is an 8% decrease from the previous year, far too many children are still dying from this preventable disease, estimates the WHO. This slight reduction in deaths is mainly because the increase in cases occurred in countries and regions where children with measles are less likely to die, due to better nutritional status. and better access to health services.”
The organization also recalls that measles “may cause serious health effects, some of which persist for life.” Infants and young children are most likely to experience these serious complications, which include blindness, pneumonia and encephalitis.
