Global Measles Threat Intensifies as Cases Surge to 9 Million in 2023

Worldwide, an estimated 9 million people were infected with measles in 2023, a 20% increase from the previous year, according to new data from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This surge underscores the growing threat posed by inadequate immunization coverage globally.

Measles: A Highly Contagious and Preventable Disease

Measles is a highly contagious, serious airborne disease caused by a virus. While a safe and effective vaccine exists, millions of children remain unvaccinated, leaving them vulnerable to infection and potentially life-threatening complications. The WHO recommends two doses of the measles vaccine for lifelong protection, with a 97% efficacy rate .

Vaccination Coverage Lags Behind Needed Levels

Despite the availability of the vaccine, global measles vaccination rates remain insufficient. In 2023, approximately 83% of children received their first dose of the measles vaccine, while only 74% received the recommended second dose. To prevent outbreaks and protect populations, at least 95% coverage with two doses of the vaccine is necessary .

Outbreaks on the Rise

As a result of these vaccination gaps, 57 countries experienced large or disruptive measles outbreaks in 2023, affecting all WHO regions except the Americas. This represents a nearly 60% increase compared to the 36 countries affected in 2022. The WHO African, Eastern Mediterranean, European, Southeast Asia, and Western Pacific regions all saw substantial increases in cases. Nearly half of all large outbreaks occurred in the African region .

A Preventable Death Toll

The consequences of declining vaccination rates are tragically evident in the number of measles-related deaths. An estimated 107,500 people, primarily children under the age of five, died from measles in 2023. While this represents an 8% decrease from the previous year, it remains an unacceptably high number, especially considering the disease is preventable through vaccination . The slight reduction in deaths was attributed to the surge in cases occurring in regions where children have better access to nutritional support and healthcare services.

Serious Health Complications

Even when measles doesn’t prove fatal, it can lead to serious and lasting health problems, particularly in infants and young children. These complications include blindness, pneumonia, and encephalitis, an infection that can cause brain swelling and damage .

Threat to Elimination Goals

The ongoing rise in measles cases and outbreaks threatens the global elimination goals outlined in the Immunization Agenda 2030. As of the end of 2023, 82 countries had achieved or maintained measles elimination. Brazil was recently reverified as having eliminated measles, restoring the WHO Americas Region to being free of endemic measles. With the exception of the African Region, at least one country in all WHO regions has eliminated the disease .

Urgent Action Needed

Addressing this growing threat requires urgent and targeted efforts, particularly in the African and Eastern Mediterranean regions, as well as in fragile, conflict-affected, and vulnerable settings. These efforts must focus on fully vaccinating all children with two doses of the measles vaccine through strong routine immunization programs and high-coverage campaigns. Strengthening disease surveillance, including through the Global Measles Rubella Laboratory Network (GMRLN), is too critical for optimizing immunization programs and responding rapidly to outbreaks .

Key Takeaways

• Measles cases surged by 20% in 2023, reaching 9 million globally.
• An estimated 107,500 people, mostly children, died from measles in 2023.
• Vaccination coverage remains below the 95% needed to prevent outbreaks.
• Urgent action is needed to increase vaccination rates and strengthen disease surveillance.

The Measles & Rubella Partnership (M&RP), a global initiative involving organizations like the WHO, CDC, UNICEF, and the Gates Foundation, is working to address the decline in vaccination coverage and accelerate progress towards a world free of measles and rubella .