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Following a decline in global vaccination rates, measles fatalities surged by 43% in 2022 compared to 2021, with reported cases increasing by 18%, totaling around 9 million cases and 136,000 deaths globally, predominantly affecting children. These figures stem from a recent World Health Organization (WHO) report, developed in collaboration with the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Furthermore, the report highlights a rise in significant measles outbreaks, expanding from 22 to 37 affected countries in 2022, particularly impacting Africa and Asia.
Dr. John Vertefeuille, director of the CDC’s Global Immunization Division, expressed concern over the predictable yet distressing increase in measles outbreaks and fatalities due to the decline in vaccination rates. He emphasized the global risk posed by measles cases in regions with insufficient vaccination coverage, underscoring the shortfall in achieving immunization targets in several areas.
Although there was a slight uptick in measles vaccinations in 2022 following the pandemic-induced decline, 33 million children missed at least one dose of the vaccine, with 22 million missing the initial dose and 11 million missing the follow-up dose.
Attaining a minimum of 95% immunization coverage for communities is crucial to prevent outbreaks. However, global coverage rates were 83% for the first dose and 74% for the second. Notably, the recovery in immunization hasn’t reached economically disadvantaged countries, where rates stand at 66%. Brazil notably faced setbacks in vaccination efforts, with half a million children not receiving the vaccine in 2022, positioning it among the top 10 countries with missed vaccinations.
Brazil’s case exemplifies vaccination setbacks; despite being certified measles-free in 2016, outbreaks in 2018 led to the loss of this status in 2019. While the country saw decreasing numbers since 2019, reporting 44 cases in 2022, four states confirmed measles cases as of June 15, 2023: Rio de Janeiro, Pará, São Paulo, and Amapá.
Vaccination coverage in Brazil plunged from 95% to 59% in recent years, marking a substantial decline. Globally, while COVID-19 precautions like social distancing and mask mandates potentially reduced measles cases in 2020 and 2021, the disease is resurging.
The report underscores a 67% global increase in reported measles cases from 2021 to 2022, along with a 68% rise in affected countries, prompting urgent calls from WHO and CDC for enhanced vaccination efforts and strengthened surveillance systems, particularly in developing nations. Dr. Kate O’Brien, WHO’s director of immunization, vaccines, and biologicals, emphasized every child’s right to protection through the measles vaccine, irrespective of geographical location, highlighting measles as a disease that targets the unprotected.
