Global immunization efforts have reduced measles deaths by 88% between 2000 and 2024, saving nearly 59 million lives.
However, in 2024 an estimated 95,000 people, mostly children under five, still died from measles.
Despite fewer deaths, measles cases surged worldwide to 11 million infections, nearly 800,000 more than pre-pandemic levels in 2019.
World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus warned that measles is “the world’s most contagious virus” and will exploit any gaps in vaccination coverage.
In 2024, cases rose by 86% in the Eastern Mediterranean, 47% in Europe, and 42% in South-East Asia, while Africa saw a 40% decline due to stronger immunization.
Yet vaccine coverage remains insufficient, with only 84% of children receiving a first dose and 76% a second dose, far below the 95% needed to stop transmission.
WHO stressed that sustained investment, stronger surveillance, and universal two-dose coverage are essential to achieve global measles elimination.
