The latest news on measles reveals 20% global increase in measles cases from 2022 to 2023, as reported by the World Health Organization and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
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Regions heavily affected include Africa, the Eastern Mediterranean, Europe, Southeast Asia and the Western Pacific. Nearly 57 countries experienced large outbreaks, a rise from 36 countries in 2022.
Children under five years of age remain the most vulnerable making up the majority of the estimated 107,500 deaths caused by measles in 2023.
According to latest news on Measles, Over 22 million children missed their first dose of the measles vaccine in 2023. Global coverage for the first dose stood at 83%, while only 74% received the crucial second dose.
To prevent outbreaks, a 95% coverage of two doses is essential in every country. This target remains unmet in many parts of the world.
Measles can cause complications such as blindness, pneumonia and encephalitis with lifelong effects for survivors. The slight 8% decrease in global measles-related deaths in 2023 was attributed to better nutritional status and access to healthcare in affected regions.
The Americas region regained its status as free of endemic measles in 2023. Brazil and Venezuela were re-verified as having eliminated measles after resolving outbreaks from previous years.
According to latest news on Measles, Only 73 measles cases were reported in the Americas in 2023, the lowest number in history. All cases reported in 2024 were imported or linked to importation with no sustained transmission observed.
The first-dose MMR vaccine coverage in the Americas rose to 87% in 2023, although 1.4 million children still lacked any doses of the vaccine.
Disease monitoring systems such as the Global Measles Rubella Laboratory Network have been crucial in detecting and responding rapidly to outbreaks.
During the fourth annual meeting of the Measles and Rubella Elimination Regional Monitoring and Re-Verification Commission, experts addressed the need to strengthen immunization activities.
According to latest news on Measles, Nearly half of the large measles outbreaks in 2023 occurred in Africa.
There were approximately 10.3 million measles cases worldwide in 2023. The European region saw 200% increase in measles cases jumping from 99,700 cases in 2022 to over 306,000 cases in 2023.
Africa experienced the highest number of cases with 4.8 million, and nearly half of all large-scale outbreaks occurred in the region.
Southeast Asia followed with 2.9 million cases, while the Americas reported the lowest numbers.
Only 83% of children globally received their first dose of the measles vaccine in 2023. Just 74% of children received the recommended second dose, far below the 95% coverage required to prevent outbreaks.
According to latest news on Measles, Over 22 million children missed their first dose of the measles vaccine in 2023.
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The measles vaccine has prevented over 60.3 million deaths since 2000. As of 2023, 82 countries had achieved or maintained measles elimination.
An estimated 107,500 people, mostly children under five, died from measles in 2023. While this is an 8% decrease from 2022.
Nearly half of all large-scale outbreaks were in the African region. Southeast Asia, The second-highest number of cases was reported here.
According to latest news on Measles, In Europe, despite a 200% increase in cases, absolute numbers remain relatively low compared to other regions.
Romania recorded the highest cases within the European Union. The Americas successfully re-established measles elimination status.
Global vaccination efforts have stalled in low-income countries and regions affected by conflict and instability.
Many unvaccinated children live in areas with fragile healthcare systems. In some regions, vaccination campaigns fail to reach high coverage rates due to logistical, financial and societal barriers.
According to latest news on Measles, the measles vaccine has saved more lives than any other vaccine over the past 50 years, preventing an estimated 6 million deaths in the Americas alone between 2000 and 2022.
Initiatives such as the Measles & Rubella Partnership bring together key organizations including the American Red Cross, Gavi, UNICEF and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
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