The measles outbreak continues around the world: In 2023, the number of global measles cases will jump by 20%, to 10.3 million reported cases, according to estimates by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC). This increase is directly related to inadequate immunization coverage Worldwide, according to the report, more than 22 million children did not receive the first dose of the measles vaccine last year, and only 74% of children received the The second recommended dish.
Measles, one of the most contagious viruses known to man, is preventable with a simple vaccine. According to the World Health Organization, immunization coverage of at least 95% in two doses is required in every country and every community to prevent outbreaks and protect the population from the epidemic. However, the data shows that we are far from this goal, leaving millions of children at risk of contracting a disease that can lead to serious complications and even death.
57 countries experienced major measles outbreaks or significant disruptions in their prevention during 2023, representing a nearly 60% increase from 36 countries in 2022. Regions such as Africa, the Middle East, Southeast Asia and Europe have experienced sharp increases in the number of cases. Almost half of the severe cases occurred in Africa, where the vaccination rate is particularly low.
Despite the slight decrease in mortality (8%) in 2023, 107,500 people still died, most of them children under the age of five. Countries with more developed health systems have been able to reduce the death rate thanks to access to better medical care and adequate nutrition.
Israel has also seen an alarming increase in measles cases, especially among populations that are not vaccinated. The most significant outbreaks were observed in the Jerusalem and Beit Shemesh areas, mainly among ultra-Orthodox populations where vaccination rates are low. In addition, in the Bedouin diasporas in the south, many cases were recorded due to barriers to access to health services and vaccinations.
The Ministry of Health reports on a series of measures taken to increase awareness, including dedicated vaccination campaigns for at-risk populations. However, the challenge remains particularly significant when it comes to groups that are not easily accessible or hold anti-immune attitudes.
Measles is one of the deadliest diseases in the world, but also one of the most effectively preventable. The measles vaccine, which has been around for over 50 years, has saved millions of lives and is the most effective means of preventing the spread of the disease. Despite this, the organization warns that the global goal of eliminating measles by 2030 is in jeopardy due to the partial vaccine coverage.
The call of the World Health Organization is clear: all countries must act to increase immunization coverage, strengthen surveillance systems after outbreaks, and ensure that every child receives the required two doses of the vaccine.