However, the disease continues to spread. In 2024, statistics showed that around 95,000 people, primarily children under five years old, fell victim to measles. Although this is one of the lowest figures in recent years, it still leaves many tragedies, as the disease can be prevented with an accessible and effective vaccine.
According to WHO data, the number of measles infections surged sharply, reaching about 11 million in 2024. This is 800,000 more than in 2019, before the pandemic began.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus commented on the situation, noting that measles is the most contagious virus and these figures highlight how the disease exploits any gaps in our collective immunity. He called for the vaccination of every child in every community to prevent outbreaks, save lives, and ultimately eradicate the disease completely.
Regional Observations
In the Eastern Mediterranean, the percentage of measles cases increased by 86% compared to 2019, in Europe by 47%, and in Southeast Asia by 42%.
In contrast, Africa recorded a decrease: the number of cases fell by 40%, and mortality decreased by 50%, which is associated with increased vaccination coverage.
Currently, 84% of children worldwide have received the first dose of the vaccine, and only 76% have received the second. However, to prevent the transmission of the virus, at least 95% of the population needs to receive both doses. More than 30 million children remain unprotected, with three-quarters of them living in Africa and the Eastern Mediterranean.
Outbreaks and Their Consequences
In 2024, major measles outbreaks occurred in 59 countries, nearly three times more than in 2021. In 2025, the situation worsened in North and South American countries, where mass outbreaks also began.
WHO warns of potential risks: reduced funding for laboratories and national vaccination programs could lead to new failures in protection and an increase in the number of infections.
The Path to Measles Eradication
By the end of 2024, measles had been eliminated in 81 countries. In 2025, this number increased to include Pacific island nations, as well as Cape Verde, Mauritius, and Seychelles, which became the first African countries to receive confirmation of disease elimination. Currently, 96 countries hold the status of "measles-free."
Even in developed countries, the disease sometimes resurfaces due to vaccination rates falling below the critical 95%. WHO urges governments to make long-term investments to ensure that all children receive two doses of the vaccine and to improve epidemiological surveillance systems.
