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Measles Deaths Plummet 88%, But Cases Rise 8%
28 Nov
Summary
- Global measles cases fell 71% between 2000 and 2024.
- Vaccination efforts have prevented nearly 59 million deaths.
- Measles cases increased 8% compared to pre-pandemic levels.
Global measles cases experienced a significant reduction of 71% from 2000 to 2024, a period during which vaccination programs prevented an estimated 59 million deaths. The World Health Organization reported a sharp 88% drop in measles-related fatalities, reaching a near-historic low in 2024.
However, a concerning trend emerged with a year-over-year increase of 8% in estimated cases and an 11% decrease in deaths when compared to 2019 figures. This suggests a redistribution of the disease burden, with a notable shift from low-income to middle-income nations.
The report emphasizes that measles is a sensitive indicator of immunization program strength, with even minor drops in vaccine coverage triggering outbreaks. Growing measles outbreaks worldwide are signaling vulnerabilities in health systems and underscoring the critical need for sustained vaccination efforts.
