Global measles deaths dropped sharply since 2000, but health officials now warn the virus is resurging.
The World Health Organization (WHO) reports measles cases jumped 47% in Europe and Central Asia last year due to falling vaccination rates. Global progress in reducing infections and deaths has begun to reverse.
In 2024, measles killed an estimated 95,000 people, mostly children under five, down from 780,000 in 2000. The WHO stressed that “every death from a preventable disease is unacceptable.” Vaccination campaigns have saved nearly 59 million lives worldwide since 2000.
Vaccination Gaps Drive Outbreaks
Worldwide, measles infections are rising again, with 11 million cases in 2024, around 800,000 higher than pre-pandemic levels. Major outbreaks affected 59 countries, nearly three times the 2021 figure. Europe and Central Asia recorded more than 120,000 cases—the highest in over 25 years.
WHO chief Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said, “Measles exploits any gap in our collective defences.” Officials blame growing vaccine hesitancy as a key driver. Health experts stress that at least 95% of people must immunize to stop transmission.
Globally, 84% of children received their first measles dose last year, and 76% received the second. Two million more children got vaccinated than the year before. Yet over 30 million children remained under-protected, mainly in Africa and the Eastern Mediterranean. Even highly vaccinated countries can experience outbreaks if unvaccinated clusters exist.
Urgent Calls for Action
The WHO warns measles often resurfaces first when vaccination rates fall, revealing weaknesses in health systems and immunization programmes.
Children who survive measles face increased risks of pneumonia, blindness, and encephalitis, which can cause brain swelling and long-term damage.
The WHO urges governments to fund stronger vaccination efforts and intensify global elimination campaigns. Dr Tedros emphasized, “Measles does not respect borders, but vaccinating every child can prevent outbreaks, save lives, and eliminate this disease.”
Source: World Health Organization. Measles situation report 2024. WHO, 2025.
