Global measles deaths decline 88% from 2000\u20132024, cases rise to 11 million: WHO
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\nThe World Health Organization (WHO) announced deaths caused by measles fell by about 88% between 2000 and 2024, with vaccination efforts saving nearly 59 million lives worldwide during that period, Khaama Press reported.<\/p>\n
In a report released on Thursday, December 25, the WHO said that despite these long-term gains, measles infections are once again rising globally, reversing years of progress in disease control.<\/p>\n
According to the report, around 11 million measles cases were recorded worldwide in 2024, highlighting growing gaps in immunisation coverage and public health systems.<\/p>\n
The WHO stressed that preventing measles outbreaks requires at least 95% coverage with two doses of the measles vaccine, a target that remains unmet in many countries.<\/p>\n
Health officials warned that falling vaccination rates leave communities vulnerable to large outbreaks, particularly among children and unvaccinated populations.<\/p>\n
Measles is one of the world\u2019s most contagious diseases and can lead to severe complications, including pneumonia, brain inflammation, and death, especially in young children.<\/p>\n
Global vaccination programmes had significantly reduced measles transmission over the past two decades, but recent disruptions have weakened routine immunisation systems.<\/p>\n
The WHO said that in 2024 alone, around 20 million children missed essential vaccines such as those for diphtheria, tetanus, and polio due to conflict, supply disruptions, and rising misinformation.<\/p>\n
The agency warned that without urgent action to restore routine immunisation, gains made over decades could be lost, leading to preventable illness and deaths.<\/p>\n
The WHO called on governments and international partners to strengthen vaccination programmes, combat misinformation, and ensure access to life-saving vaccines, particularly in conflict-affected and low-income countries.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Global measles deaths decline 88% from 2000\u20132024, cases rise to 11 million: WHO ———————————- The World Health Organization (WHO) announced deaths caused by measles fell by about 88% between 2000 and 2024, with vaccination efforts saving nearly 59 million lives worldwide during that period, Khaama Press reported. In a report released on Thursday, December 25, …<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":138475,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"rop_custom_images_group":[],"rop_custom_messages_group":[],"rop_publish_now":"initial","rop_publish_now_accounts":{"facebook_108372464460192_245495985553329":""},"rop_publish_now_history":[],"rop_publish_now_status":"pending","footnotes":""},"categories":[8955],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-138476","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-medical-news"],"yoast_head":"\n