Global Measles Cases Surge by 20% Due to Poor Vaccine Coverage

In 2023, measles infected 10.3 million people worldwide, with inadequate immunization leading to a significant rise in cases.

The World Health Organization CDC report a 20% increase in measles cases from 2022, totaling 10.3 million infections in 2023.
Vaccine coverage remains insufficient, with only 74% of children receiving the recommended two doses, far below the 95% needed to prevent outbreaks.
Despite an 8% decrease in deaths, 107,500 people, mostly children under five, died from measles in 2023, highlighting the preventability of these fatalities.
Fifty-seven countries experienced large or disruptive outbreaks, a 60% increase from the previous year, with Africa being the most affected region.
Health officials urge urgent investment in immunization efforts to reverse the trend and protect vulnerable populations from this highly contagious disease.