Measles deaths fell sharply since 2000, but health officials now warn the virus is resurging.
The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that measles cases jumped 47 per cent in Europe and Central Asia last year, driven by falling vaccination rates. Global progress in reducing infections and deaths is now slipping.
In 2024, measles killed roughly 95,000 people worldwide, mostly children under five. That represents a dramatic drop from 780,000 deaths in 2000. The WHO emphasises that “every death from a disease that could be prevented with a highly effective and low-cost vaccine is unacceptable.” Since 2000, measles vaccination campaigns saved nearly 59 million lives globally.
Rising Cases and Outbreaks
Worldwide, measles infections are climbing again. Health officials estimate 11 million cases last year, about 800,000 more than before the pandemic.
The WHO recorded over 120,000 measles cases in Europe and Central Asia in 2024, the highest number in more than 25 years. Major outbreaks affected 59 countries, nearly three times the number in 2021.
WHO chief Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said, “Measles is the world’s most contagious virus. It exploits gaps in our collective defences.” Officials point to growing vaccine refusal as a primary outbreak driver. Measles spreads so easily that at least 95 per cent of people must receive the vaccine to prevent outbreaks.
Globally, 84 per cent of children received their first measles dose last year, while 76 per cent received the second, WHO data show. That improvement protected two million additional children, but over 30 million remained under-protected, mainly in Africa and the Eastern Mediterranean. Even highly vaccinated countries risk outbreaks if unvaccinated pockets exist.
Urgent Call for Stronger Immunisation
The WHO warns measles resurfaces first when vaccination rates decline, exposing weaknesses in health systems and immunisation programmes.
Children who survive measles face higher risks of pneumonia, blindness, and encephalitis, which can cause brain swelling and permanent damage.
The WHO urges countries to increase funding and strengthen eradication efforts. Dr Tedros stated, “Measles does not respect borders. Vaccinating every child can prevent costly outbreaks, save lives, and eliminate the disease nationally” (WHO, 2025).
