A study published Thursday highlights a 20% increase in measles cases, a highly contagious disease, worldwide in 2023.
Conducted by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the research reports approximately 10.3 million cases last year, leading to 107,500 deaths, most of which occurred among children under five.
The study identifies insufficient vaccination coverage as the main driver of this increase, emphasizing the need for at least 95% coverage with two doses of the measles and rubella vaccine to prevent outbreaks.
In 2023, major measles outbreaks were recorded in 57 countries across all continents except the Americas. Half of these occurred in Africa, compared to 36 countries affected the previous year.
The WHO and CDC warn that the goal of eliminating measles by 2030 might be unattainable. « The measles vaccine has saved more lives than any other vaccine over the past 50 years, » stated WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
To combat this, he urged investments in expanding vaccination programs, particularly in conflict zones, Africa, and the Eastern Mediterranean region.
