An increase in measles cases in 2023 has raised alarms in the international health community. According to recent estimates by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) of the United States, approximately 10.3 million cases were recorded worldwide last year, which represents an increase of 20% compared to 2022. This setback in the control of a preventable disease highlights the serious consequences of insufficient vaccination coverage.
The measles vaccine has proven to be an essential public health tool, with the potential to save millions of lives. However, the 2023 figures reflect a reality: more than 22 million children did not receive even the first dose of the vaccine, while only 74% of children worldwide completed the recommended two-dose schedule. This leaves entire communities vulnerable to one of the most contagious viruses known, requiring coverage of 95% or more to prevent outbreaks.
The impact of the increase in cases has been devastating. In 2023, about 107,500 people, mainly children under five years old, died due to measles. Although this figure represents a slight decrease of 8% compared to the previous year, the reduction was not enough to offset infection rates. According to the WHO, this partial improvement in mortality is attributed to better nutritional conditions and access to health services in the affected regions.
Measles is not only deadly, but it can also leave permanent scars on survivors. Complications include blindness, pneumonia and encephalitis, a brain inflammation that can cause irreversible damage. Infants and young children are most affected by these consequences, underscoring the importance of early immunization.
Geographically, measles outbreaks have affected all regions of the world except the Americas. In 2023, 57 countries reported outbreaks of large magnitude or impact, a significant increase compared to 36 countries the previous year. The hardest hit regions include Africa, the Eastern Mediterranean, Europe, Southeast Asia and the Western Pacific. In the African region, which accounts for almost half of these outbreaks, measles remains a persistent threat.
Despite these figures, some progress offers hope. By the end of 2023, 82 countries have achieved or maintained measles elimination, including new success stories like Brazil, which has been recertified as free of the disease. This reaffirms that the Region of the Americas continues to be a model in the fight against endemic measles. However, global progress towards elimination, one of the key goals of the Immunization Agenda 2030, is at risk due to the widespread increase in cases.
To counter this trend, the WHO and the CDC insist on the need for urgent measures. It is a priority to strengthen systematic immunization programs, especially in vulnerable and conflict-affected regions. Mass vaccination campaigns must also be carried out to fill existing gaps and ensure that all children receive both doses of the vaccine.
Furthermore, disease surveillance plays a crucial role. Networks such as the Global Measles and Rubella Laboratory Network (GMRLN) are essential to quickly detect outbreaks and respond effectively. These initiatives not only mitigate the impact of outbreaks, but also optimize immunization programs by identifying areas with low coverage rates.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the WHO, emphasized the importance of universal vaccination, highlighting that the measles vaccine has saved more lives than any other in the last five decades. For her part, Mandy Cohen, director of the CDC, warned that the increase in infections endangers the lives of millions of people, underscoring the need to redouble global efforts.
As the world faces this crisis, the message is clear: only collective, coordinated action can reverse the spread of measles and protect the most vulnerable populations. Vaccination is the best defense against this virus, and guaranteeing its universal access is a shared responsibility that does not allow delays.
Keep reading:
- Some Americans who took Ozempic report blindness, paralysis and tooth loss
- Eating grapes can help you reduce cholesterol
- Bird flu infections in US dairy workers went unnoticed