Global immunization efforts have led to an 88% decline in measles deaths between 2000 and 2024, according to a new report from the World Health Organization (WHO). During this period, measles vaccination saved nearly 59 million lives.
However, in 2024 alone, 95,000 people—mostly children under five—still died from a disease that is preventable with a safe, low-cost vaccine. Although this represents one of the lowest annual measles deaths tolls since 2000, WHO stressed that every measles-related death remains unacceptable.
Measles Cases Rise Despite Fewer Deaths
Despite advances in mortality reduction, measles cases surged globally. In 2024, the world recorded an estimated 11 million infections, almost 800,000 more than pre-pandemic levels in 2019.
Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, warned, “Measles is the world’s most contagious virus, and it will exploit any gap in our defences. When every child in every community is vaccinated, costly outbreaks can be prevented and lives can be saved.”
Regional Trends Show Sharp Increases and One Significant Decline
Measles cases climbed sharply in several regions in 2024:
- Eastern Mediterranean Region: Up 86%
- European Region: Up 47%
- South-East Asia Region: Up 42%
In contrast, the African Region recorded a 40% decline in cases and a 50% drop in deaths, partly due to improving immunization coverage.
Although death rates remain lower in regions with stronger health systems and better nutrition, measles infections continue to cause serious, lifelong complications such as blindness, pneumonia, and encephalitis.
Immunization Coverage Remains Below Needed Levels
In 2024, 84% of children worldwide received the first measles vaccine dose, while only 76% received the second. WHO recommends 95% vaccination coverage with two doses to stop transmission.
As per WHO press release, despite slight improvements—with 2 million more children vaccinated than the previous year—more than 30 million children remained under-protected. Three-quarters of them live in the African and Eastern Mediterranean regions, often in fragile or conflict-affected settings.
IA2030 Review Highlights Weaknesses in Immunization Systems
The Immunization Agenda 2030 (IA2030) Mid-Term Review warns that measles is usually the first disease to resurge when vaccination coverage drops. The growing number of outbreaks reflects gaps in immunization services and threatens global progress toward measles elimination.
Outbreaks Nearly Triple Since 2021
In 2024, 59 countries experienced large or disruptive measles outbreaks—nearly three times the number reported in 2021 and the highest since the COVID-19 pandemic began. All WHO regions except the Americas reported major outbreaks in 2024.
However, the situation shifted in 2025, with many countries in the Americas battling new outbreaks, leading to renewed regional concern.
Surveillance Strengthens but Funding Cuts Pose Risks
Efforts to scale up surveillance improved outbreak detection. In 2024, more than 760 laboratories in the Global Measles and Rubella Laboratory Network (GMRLN) tested over 500,000 samples, a 27% increase from the previous year.
Nevertheless, severe funding cuts affecting surveillance networks and immunization programmes threaten to widen immunity gaps. WHO noted that securing sustainable domestic financing and new partners is essential to advancing global measles control.
Progress Toward Elimination Remains Uneven
By the end of 2024:
- 81 countries (42%) had eliminated measles
- Only three countries achieved elimination compared with pre-pandemic levels
However, additional gains emerged in 2025.
Pacific island territories were verified in September 2025, and Cabo Verde, Mauritius and Seychelles became the first African countries to be verified for elimination. This raised the total number of measles-free countries to 96.
The Region of the Americas regained elimination status in 2024, but lost it again in November 2025 due to ongoing transmission in Canada.
High-Income Countries Also at Risk
Measles has resurged even in high-income nations that had previously eliminated it. Declining vaccination rates and pockets of unvaccinated populations continue to fuel outbreaks and sustain transmission.
Strong Commitment Needed to Achieve Measles Elimination
Achieving global measles elimination requires robust political commitment and sustained investment. WHO urges countries to ensure:
- Every child receives two doses of the measles vaccine
- Surveillance systems can rapidly detect outbreaks
- Immunization programmes remain strong and equitable
- High-quality campaigns reach children missed by routine services
The IA2030 Mid-Term Review calls for intensified routine immunization, stronger outbreak responses, and targeted efforts to protect every child—bringing the world closer to a measles-free future.