WHO Official Expresses Concern over Rise in Measles Cases Worldwide
Dr. Patrick O’Connor from the World Health Organization (WHO) has expressed concern over the significant increase in measles cases globally. In 2023, the number of measles cases rose from over 170,000 in 2022 to over 320,000, with nearly 100,000 cases reported in the first few months of 2024.
The number of countries experiencing large measles outbreaks has also tripled in recent years, with 51 countries affected by late 2022. Experts believe that the surge in measles cases can be attributed to the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, which have impacted healthcare services and immunization coverage.
The increase in measles outbreaks and deaths is also linked to declining vaccination rates. Measles is a highly contagious disease that can be prevented with two doses of vaccine in childhood. However, the WHO estimates that 61 million vaccine doses were missed or delayed in 2021.
Low-income countries, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, have the lowest vaccination rates, with some countries reporting rates below 50%. This puts young children, particularly those under the age of 5, at risk of severe complications or death from measles.
Efforts are being made to raise vaccination rates and prevent further outbreaks. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, have launched “The Big Catch-Up” initiative to address the missed vaccinations. In countries like Ethiopia, ongoing efforts are aimed at improving vaccination rates and tracking childhood immunizations electronically.
There are calls for a global commitment and resources to prioritize measles as a public health issue and ensure full immunization coverage at all levels. It is crucial to work together to prevent the spread of measles and protect vulnerable populations from this deadly disease.
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