The World Health Organization (WHO) and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have raised an alert over a global measles outbreak, reporting 10.3 million cases in 2023—a 20% increase compared to the previous year. Among the 57 nations experiencing large-scale outbreaks, India reported 65,150 cases, making it the second most affected country after the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Measles, a highly contagious viral infection, presents with symptoms such as fever, cough, runny nose, sore throat, and skin rashes. While largely preventable through immunization, the disease can lead to severe complications, including brain swelling and even death. In 2023, global measles-related deaths increased by 8%, totaling 107,500 fatalities.

Global Immunization Coverage Stagnates

The WHO-CDC report highlighted concerning trends in immunization coverage. The global coverage of the first dose of the measles-containing vaccine (MCV1) had declined during the COVID-19 pandemic, reaching its lowest level since 2008 at 81%. While MCV1 coverage rebounded to 83% in 2022, it failed to improve further in 2023.

In WHO’s Southeast Asia region, which includes India, MCV1 coverage saw a decline after achieving pre-pandemic levels in 2022. The region’s coverage dropped from 94% in 2019 to 87% in 2021, rebounded to 94% in 2022, but fell to 91% in 2023. Similarly, coverage for the second dose (MCV2) showed a minor decline, standing at 85% in 2023 compared to 86% in 2022, though it remained above pre-pandemic levels.

India’s Immunization Challenges

While country-specific data for India was unavailable in the latest report, previous findings revealed that 1.1 million Indian children missed their first dose of the measles vaccine in 2022. The Indian government, however, reported an improvement, claiming MCV1 coverage reached 93% in 2023.

Globally, the report noted that 22.2 million children missed their first vaccine dose in 2023—a 2% increase from previous years. Notably, two nations in the Southeast Asia region ranked among the top ten countries with the highest number of infants missing their doses.

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Call for Action

The resurgence of measles underscores the urgent need for sustained immunization efforts and targeted outreach to vulnerable populations. With India ranking among the most affected nations, a focused strategy to improve vaccine coverage, particularly in underserved regions, is critical. Addressing gaps in immunization will play a pivotal role in preventing further outbreaks and ensuring better health outcomes.

The WHO and CDC emphasized the importance of collaborative global efforts to combat measles, urging nations to prioritize immunization campaigns and address the disruptions caused by the pandemic. For India, bolstering vaccine delivery systems and enhancing awareness about the importance of immunization could be key steps in mitigating the growing threat of measles.

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