For many years, measles vaccination has stood as one of the greatest global public health achievements. According to a new report from the World Health Organization (WHO), worldwide measles deaths fell by nearly 88% between 2000 and 2024 — a decline that represents an estimated 58 million lives saved.
However, this progress is now under serious threat. Vaccination coverage has dipped below the level required to stop the virus from spreading, leading to a sharp rise in cases. Last year, 59 countries experienced substantial or disruptive measles outbreaks — almost three times the number reported in 2021. Alarmingly, roughly one-quarter of these outbreaks occurred in countries that had previously achieved elimination status, including the United States and Canada.
The WHO warned in its latest assessment that the goal of global measles elimination is slipping further out of reach. The organization highlighted setbacks caused by reduced funding for immunization programs, weakened disease surveillance, and a general decline in support from major contributors, including the United States.
Elimination, in global health terms, means that a virus is no longer circulating locally and that a country has the capacity to prevent imported cases from gaining a foothold. Canada recently lost its elimination status, and WHO officials express concern that the US could also lose this designation. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has already reported 1,798 confirmed cases this year — the highest number since measles was declared eliminated in the country in 2000.
WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized that measles remains the most contagious known virus. Despite the availability of an affordable and highly effective vaccine, the disease quickly exploits any gaps in community immunity. In 2024 alone, more than 30 million children worldwide lacked sufficient protection against measles.
PROGRESS AND PERSISTENT CHALLENGES
Despite recent setbacks, health officials point to several successes. Since 2000, global measles deaths have dramatically decreased, and every WHO region has committed to eliminating measles and rubella by maintaining 95% vaccination coverage, improving surveillance systems and integrating elimination targets into broader public health strategies.
This year, Cabo Verde, Seychelles, and Mauritius became the first African nations to achieve measles elimination. Additionally, 21 Pacific island nations succeeded in eliminating both measles and rubella.
Yet progress remains uneven. Three countries have still not adopted a routine second vaccine dose — a crucial step because the second dose boosts effectiveness to around 95% and helps ensure long-term immunity. Globally, only 84% of children received the first dose and just 76% received the second dose in 2024. As a result, millions of children — especially those in fragile or conflict-affected regions — remain at risk.
Experts say the slow recovery from pandemic-related disruptions continues to hinder progress. Many children who missed routine vaccines during COVID-19 have not yet caught up, creating large immunity gaps. Measles often acts as a warning sign that immunization systems are weakening; similar gaps exist with other preventable diseases like polio and pertussis.
A DIFFICULT PATH AHEAD
WHO officials cite misinformation, limited health system capacity, and unequal access to vaccines as major barriers. Routine immunization systems require trained staff, reliable transport, laboratory networks, and strong surveillance — resources many countries lack.
The report also warns that significant cuts to the Global Measles and Rubella Laboratory Network, which includes more than 700 labs worldwide, could further widen immunity gaps. Ensuring stable funding and building stronger health systems, WHO says, are now critical to preventing future outbreaks and moving closer to a measles-free world.
