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)
The 10 Most Progressive Logical Disclosures- The Best 10 Innovation Advancements of the Year
- She loves to give experiences. He goes for sentimental gifts. They ask an expert: What is the perfect holiday present?
- Andrew McCarthy's awe-inspiring image of a skydiver in front of the sun
- Best Disney Palace: Which One Catches Your Creative mind?
- Do you lean your seat back on the plane? These travel pros — and real-life couple — won't do it.
- Cuba says 33 have died of mosquito-borne illnesses as epidemic rages
- Tracking down the Right Equilibrium: Charges versus Personal Costs in Senior Protection.
- Trouvez La Carte De Cr\u00e9dit Id\u00e9ale Pour Vos Besoins En Belgique
