A joint report by the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF has revealed that Europe recorded its highest measles rate since 1997, with 127,350 cases reported in 2024, double the number recorded in 2023. The sharp rise underscores significant gaps in immunization coverage across the region.
Regina De Dominicis, UNICEF Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia, emphasized the urgency of government action to protect children from this life-threatening disease. She highlighted the need for sustainable investment in healthcare workers to enhance immunization efforts and prevent further outbreaks.
The report indicated that children under five accounted for more than 40 percent of reported measles cases across the 53 countries that make up the European and Central Asian region. Preliminary data as of March 6, 2025, showed that over half of the infected individuals required hospitalization, and 38 deaths were recorded.
WHO and UNICEF highlight gaps in immunization coverage
Historically, measles cases in the region had been in decline, with numbers dropping from 216,000 in 1997 to a record low of 4,440 in 2016. However, outbreaks surged in 2018 and 2019, reaching 89,000 and 106,000 cases, respectively. The report attributed the latest resurgence to a decline in immunization rates during the COVID-19 pandemic, with vaccination coverage yet to return to pre-pandemic levels.
In 2024, the European region accounted for one-third of global measles cases. An estimated 500,000 children in the region missed their first dose of the measles vaccine in 2023, significantly increasing the risk of outbreaks. The WHO and UNICEF stressed that failure to close immunization gaps could lead to further escalations.
WHO warns of rising global measles threats
Measles, one of the most contagious viruses, can cause severe complications such as pneumonia and encephalitis, with potentially fatal outcomes. The report noted that 359,521 measles cases were reported worldwide in 2024, underscoring the ongoing global threat posed by the disease.
The WHO and UNICEF called on governments to intensify efforts in case detection, contact tracing, emergency vaccination campaigns, and strengthening healthcare systems. The report also urged authorities to identify coverage gaps and improve outreach to marginalized communities to curb the spread of the disease. – By EuroWire News Desk.