Although this figure is one of the lowest in recent decades, every death from measles that could be prevented with a cheap and effective vaccine remains a significant loss.
As reported in the new WHO report, global vaccination efforts have led to an 88% reduction in measles mortality from 2000 to 2024. As a result of vaccination, nearly 59 million lives have been saved.
However, despite the significant decrease in mortality, the disease continues to spread. According to the organization, the number of measles cases has increased: last year, about 11 million cases were reported, which is 800,000 more than in 2019, before the pandemic.
In 2024, the first dose of the vaccine was administered to 84% of children worldwide, while only 76% received the second dose. To effectively prevent the transmission of the virus, at least 95% of children need to be vaccinated with two doses. More than 30 million children remain unprotected, three-quarters of whom live in Africa and the Eastern Mediterranean.
Measles outbreaks have been recorded in 59 countries, nearly three times more than in 2021.
96 countries are classified as "measles-free."
Even in economically developed countries, measles sometimes re-emerges due to vaccination rates falling below the necessary threshold of 95%. The WHO urges governments to invest in sustainable programs to ensure that all children are vaccinated with two doses and to strengthen surveillance systems.
Since the beginning of 2025, Kyrgyzstan has reported 8,900 cases of measles, of which 10 resulted in death.
