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Measles increased worldwide in 2019, reaching the highest number of reported cases in 23 years. Featured in a publication by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), measles cases worldwide rose to 869,770 in 2019, the most high reported since 1996 with increases in all WHO regions. Global measles deaths have risen nearly 50 percent since 2016, claiming an estimated 207,500 lives in 2019 alone.
After steady global progress from 2010 to 2016, the number of reported measles cases progressively increased through 2019. Comparing 2019 data to the all-time low of reported measles cases in 2016, the authors cite that the measles cases were not vaccinated. children on time with two doses of measles containing vaccines (MCV1 and MCV2) as the main driver of these increases in cases and deaths.
“We know how to prevent measles outbreaks and deaths,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “This data sends a clear message that we are not protecting children from measles in all regions of the world. We must work collectively to support countries and engage communities to reach everyone, everywhere, with the vaccine against measles and stop this deadly virus. “
Measles outbreaks occur when people who are not protected from the virus become infected and transmit the disease to unvaccinated or under-vaccinated populations. To control measles and prevent outbreaks and deaths, the required MCV1 and MCV2 vaccination coverage rates must reach 95 percent and be maintained at the national and subnational levels. MCV1 coverage has been stagnant globally for more than a decade at between 84 and 85 percent. MCV2’s coverage has increased steadily, but is now only at 71 percent. Measles vaccination coverage remains well below the 95 percent or more that is needed with both doses to control measles and prevent outbreaks and deaths.
The global response to the COVID-19 pandemic must not exacerbate the measles crisis
Although reported measles cases are lower in 2020, the efforts needed to control COVID-19 have resulted in vaccinations interruptions and stalled efforts to prevent and minimize measles outbreaks. In November, more than 94 million people were at risk of not receiving vaccinations due to leisurely campaigns against measles in 26 countries. Many of these countries are experiencing continuous outbreaks. Of the countries with postponed 2020 planned campaigns, only eight – Brazil, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Nepal, Nigeria, Philippines and Somalia – resumed their campaigns after initial delays.
Before there was a coronavirus crisis, the world was dealing with a measles crisis and it hasn’t gone away. While healthcare systems are affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, we must not allow our fight against one deadly disease to come at the expense of our fight against another. This means ensuring that we have the resources to continue immunization campaigns for all vaccine-preventable diseases, even as we address the growing COVID-19 pandemic. “
Henrietta Fore, UNICEF Executive Director
The causes of poor measles control are many and need to be addressed
Global immunization partners are engaging public health leaders and professionals in affected and at-risk countries to ensure that measles vaccines are available and delivered safely, and that caregivers understand the benefit of the vaccine for save lifes. On November 6, 2020, WHO and UNICEF issued an emergency call to action for the prevention and response to the measles and polio outbreak.
“The measles virus easily finds unprotected children, adolescents and adults because it is highly contagious,” said Dr. Robert Linkins, chairman of the measles and rubella initiative management team and head of the accelerated disease control branch of US CDC “Infections are not only a sign of poor measles vaccination coverage, but also a known marker or ‘tracer’ that vital health services may not be reaching older populations. Our collective efforts to reach children with vaccinations now, ahead of possible easing of COVID-19 travel restrictions and increased population movement will save lives. “
The Measles and Rubella Initiative (M&RI), which includes the American Red Cross, the United Nations Foundation, the US CDC, UNICEF and WHO, and global immunization partners such as Gavi, the Alliance Vaccine, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and others are working to address the current measles crisis and ensure that resources are available to address delays in immunization, for measles and all vaccines, in all the regions of the world. A bold strategy launched by M&RI, the Measles and Rubella Strategic Framework 2021 – 2030, will help address setbacks in global progress towards measles elimination by strengthening strong national immunization systems that can reach and protect children. This strategic change to the association will focus on strengthening the routine delivery of all vaccines and on the rapid and effective detection and response to measles outbreaks.
Quotes from our partners
“These alarming numbers should act as a warning that, with the COVID-19 pandemic occupying healthcare systems around the world, we cannot afford to take our eyes off the ball when it comes to other deadly diseases. Measles is completely preventable – at a time when we have a powerful, safe, and cost-effective vaccine, no one should be dying from this disease. COVID-19 has led to dangerous declines in immunization coverage, increasing the risk of outbreaks This is why countries must urgently prioritize recovery immunization against measles through routine services to mitigate the risk of outbreaks and ensure that no child is left without this life-saving vaccine. ” – Dr. Seth Berkley, CEO of Gavi, The Vaccine Alliance.
“The fact that measles outbreaks are occurring at the highest levels that we have seen in a generation is unthinkable when we have a safe, cost-effective and proven vaccine. No child should die from a vaccine-preventable disease. We are proud to chart a bold journey with partners to close the gaps in access to immunization and respond quickly to outbreaks so everyone, everywhere can live a healthy life. ” – Elizabeth Cousens, President and CEO of the United Nations Foundation.
“We are concerned that COVID-19 is contributing to an increase in the number of measles cases and deaths. Measles knows no borders and it is imperative that we work together to vaccinate more children and continue the fight against this preventable disease.” Around the world, Red Cross and Red Crescent volunteers help families in chronically unvaccinated communities protect their children. Please join us in this effort. “- Gail McGovern, President and CEO of the American Red Cross.
Source:
World Health Organization
