A new report published by several leading healthcare organizations reveals that the number of reported cases of measles peaked in 2017. Due to gaps in vaccination coverage, measles outbreaks occurred in all regions, while an estimated 110,000 deaths attributable to the disease were recorded.
30% increase in cases
Based on updated disease modeling data, the report presents the most comprehensive estimates of measles trends over the last 17 years. It shows that, since 2000, more than 21 million lives have been saved thanks to measles vaccination. Nevertheless, the number of cases reported worldwide has increased by more than 30% compared to 2016.
Increases in the number of cases were highest in the WHO Regions of the Americas, Eastern Mediterranean and Europe, with the Western Pacific being the only WHO Region where measles incidence fell.
Dr. Soumya Swaminathan Soumya Swaminathan, WHO's Deputy Director General for Programs, points out that "without rapid efforts to increase immunization coverage and identify populations with unacceptable levels of under- or non-vaccination among children, decades of progress in protecting children and communities against this devastating but entirely preventable disease could be wiped out".
Measles is a serious and highly contagious disease
Measles can cause debilitating and even fatal complications, including encephalitis (an infection resulting in cerebral edema). cerebral edema), severe diarrhea and dehydration, pneumonia, ear infections and permanent vision loss. The risk of death and complications is particularly high in infants and young children who are malnourished or have weakened immune systems.
Measles can be prevented by two doses of a safe and effective vaccine. Yet for several years, global coverage with the first dose has plateaued at 85%. This is far below the rate needed to prevent outbreaks (95%), and leaves many individuals and communities exposed to the disease. Coverage of the second dose stands at 67%.
"The increase in measles cases is very worrying, but not surprising," saidDr. Seth Berkley, Executive Director of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. "After years of progress, several phenomena are combining to lead to a global resurgence of measles: in Europe, a relaxation of vigilance towards the disease and the spread of false information about the vaccine; in Venezuela, the collapse of the healthcare system; in Africa, pockets of fragility and low vaccine coverage. We need to change current strategies, devoting more effort to increasing vaccine coverage and strengthening health systems. Otherwise, epidemic outbreaks will continue to follow one another."
Investing in vaccination systems
In the face of recent outbreaks, health organizations are calling for sustained investment in immunization systems and the systematic immunization services. In particular, this means reaching the poorest and most marginalized populations, especially those affected by conflict and displacement.
They also call for measures to build broad public support for vaccination, and parallel action to counter misinformation and reluctance to vaccinate.