By Mariam Sunny
(Reuters) -Global measles cases fell 71% to 11 million from the year 2000 to 2024, driven by improved vaccination coverage, the World Health Organization said in a report on Friday.
Vaccination has prevented nearly 59 million deaths globally during this period, according to the report.
Deaths dropped even more sharply by 88% to 95,000 in 2024, among the lowest annual tolls since 2000.
However, estimated cases in 2024 rose 8%, while deaths dropped 11%, compared with 2019 pre-pandemic levels, reflecting a shift in disease burden from low-income to middle-income countries, which have lower fatality ratios, the report said.
Measles is often the first disease to see a resurgence when vaccination coverage drops, the agency said, adding that growing measles outbreaks expose weaknesses in immunization programmes and health systems.
Due to its high transmissibility, "even small drops in vaccine coverage can trigger outbreaks, like a fire alarm going off when smoke is detected," said Kate O'Brien, director of the Department of Immunization at WHO.
(Reporting by Mariam Sunny in Bengaluru; Editing by Vijay Kishore)
LATEST POSTS
- 1
The powerful new Rubin Observatory just found 11,000 new asteroids and measured 'tens of thousands more' - 2Artemis II astronauts arrive in Florida to prepare for launch to the moon
- 3Grasping the Course of Evacuation and Extradition in U.S. Migration
- 4Uncover the Manageable Fish Practices: Sea agreeable Feasting
- 5Israel, Gulf states report fresh missile and drone attacks
- I watched the buzzy new AI documentary — and left feeling both hopeful and terrified
- The most effective method to Amplify Your Opportunity for growth in a Web-based Degree Program
- The Best Business visionaries Under 30
- UAE recalls some Nestle infant formula products, Qatar warns consumers
- When Would it be a good idea for you to Look for Help from a Criminal Legal counselor?
- French lawmakers narrowly approve health care budget, suspending Macron's flagship pension reform
- OECD: Iran war dampening global growth
- Asia's migrant workers debate if Gulf jobs are worth deadly risk of Iran war
- Make your choice for the music application with the most amicable connection point!
