Global Measles Cases Drop 71% in 24 Years on Improved Vaccination Coverage, WHO Says

Global measles cases have declined 71% between 2000 and 2024, falling to 11 million, thanks to expanded vaccination efforts, the World Health Organization (WHO) reports. Over this period, immunization prevented nearly 59 million deaths, with fatalities dropping 88% to 95,000. Despite these gains, 2024 saw an 8% rise in cases compared with pre-pandemic levels, highlighting vulnerabilities in healthcare systems and immunization programs—even in high-income countries.

The WHO warns that gaps in vaccine coverage, compounded by funding cuts, could trigger outbreaks of measles and other preventable diseases. Achieving 95% coverage with two doses remains critical for global measles control. Read more from Reuters here.