Measles cases jumped 20% in 2023, infecting 10.3 million people globally, according to the WHO.
A joint report from WHO and the CDC attributes the rise to insufficient vaccination rates worldwide. Despite measles being preventable with two vaccine doses, over 22 million children missed their first dose last year.
While 83% of children received their initial measles vaccine in 2023, only 74% got the second dose. The WHO emphasized that 95% coverage of both doses is essential to prevent outbreaks and protect against one of the most contagious viruses.
“Measles vaccines have saved more lives than any other vaccine in the past five decades,” stated WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. He stressed the need for equitable investment in immunization to protect vulnerable populations.
CDC Director Mandy Cohen also urged continued funding to improve vaccine access.
Due to vaccination gaps, 57 countries faced significant measles outbreaks in 2023—a sharp rise from 36 countries the previous year—spanning all regions except the Americas.
Despite this surge, global measles deaths fell slightly by 8% to 107,500, mainly among children under five. The reduction is attributed to better health services and nutrition in affected regions, which helped mitigate fatalities.
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