Measles: A Wake-Up Call for Global Vaccination Efforts

Measles, a highly contagious virus, is making a comeback worldwide. Despite a significant drop in deaths over the past two decades, recent outbreaks are revealing flaws in vaccination programs. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that while measles deaths have plummeted by 88% since 2000, the number of infections is rising. In 2024, there were about 11 million cases, which is almost 800, 000 more than before the pandemic. Vaccination rates are a major concern. The MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps, and rubella, has saved nearly 59 million lives since 2000. However, not enough children are getting the second dose of the vaccine. Globally, only 76% of children received both doses in 2024, far below the 95% needed to stop the virus from spreading. The situation is especially dire in low- and middle-income countries, but even high-income countries are seeing a resurgence. The United States, for example, reported its highest number of measles cases in 2025 since the disease was declared eliminated in 2000. This rise in cases comes amid a contentious vaccine landscape in the US, where health officials have been inconsistent in their support for the MMR vaccine. The WHO warns that these outbreaks highlight weaknesses in global immunization strategies. The goal to eliminate measles by 2030 seems far from reach. Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the WHO director-general, emphasized that measles does not respect borders and will exploit any gaps in vaccination efforts. He stressed the importance of vaccinating every child to prevent costly outbreaks and save lives.