WHO Issues Urgent Call to Combat the Alarming Global Measles Resurgence

The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued an urgent call for immediate action to address the "unacceptable" surge in measles cases worldwide.

 

 

Measles Cases Skyrocket in 2024

According to WHO, global measles cases have already reached 130,000 in 2024. A joint analysis by WHO and UNICEF reported that 127,350 cases were recorded in Europe and Central Asia alone—twice the number from the previous year and the highest since 1997.

Children under five years old account for more than 40% of all reported cases across 53 countries in these regions.

"Measles is back, and this is a wake-up call," warned Hans Kluge, WHO’s Regional Director for Europe.

The Impact of COVID-19 and Vaccine Hesitancy

During the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare systems were overburdened, and vaccine misinformation led to a decline in immunization rates.

"Throughout the pandemic and beyond, we have seen a rise in misinformation, fueling vaccine hesitancy," said Fatima Cengic, UNICEF’s regional immunization expert.

WHO data shows that the drop in measles vaccination rates during the pandemic has caused a dramatic resurgence in 2023 and 2024.

Why Measles is So Dangerous

Measles is one of the most contagious viral diseases, with serious complications, including:
✅ Pneumonia
✅ Encephalitis (brain inflammation)
✅ Severe dehydration
✅ Weakened immune system, leading to secondary infections

In 2023, measles vaccination rates fell below 80% in countries like Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Romania—far below the 95% coverage required to prevent outbreaks.

Romania recorded the highest number of measles cases in Europe in 2024, with nearly 30,700 infections, followed by Kazakhstan with over 28,000 cases.

Both children and adults are at risk of severe complications, including encephalitis, pneumonia, conjunctivitis, corneal infections, ear infections, and life-threatening secondary infections.

The Best Protection: Vaccination & Strong Immunity

Health experts emphasize that vaccination is the most effective way to prevent measles. Additionally, boosting the immune system through:
✔️ A balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals
✔️ Proper hydration and hygiene
✔️ Regular medical check-ups

WHO continues to urge governments and healthcare systems worldwide to ramp up vaccination efforts and counter misinformation to prevent further outbreaks.