Progress Toward Measles Elimination - Worldwide, 2000-2023.

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Immunization

Background:

• Measles is a highly contagious viral illness requiring high population immunity for control.
• Measles vaccination is a critical public health intervention to prevent severe complications and death.
• Global efforts to eliminate measles have been ongoing, with significant progress in averting deaths.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the progress and challenges in global measles elimination from 2000 to 2023.
• To analyze trends in measles vaccination coverage and incidence.
• To identify factors hindering measles elimination and recommend strategies.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of global measles vaccination coverage data (MCV1) from 2000-2023.
• Review of estimated measles cases and deaths worldwide.
• Assessment of outbreak trends and geographical distribution.
• Examination of vaccination coverage in different socioeconomic and conflict settings.

Main Results:

• An estimated 60.3 million measles deaths were averted between 2000 and 2023.
• Despite commitments, no WHO region achieved measles elimination by end of 2023.
• Global MCV1 coverage declined during the COVID-19 pandemic and stagnated at 83% in 2022-2023.
• Measles cases increased by 20% globally from 2022 to 2023, with more countries experiencing large outbreaks.
• Measles deaths decreased by 8% in 2023, but this was influenced by case distribution in lower-risk settings.
• Lower vaccination coverage and higher incidence persist in low-income and fragile settings, exacerbating inequities.

Conclusions:

• Stagnant measles vaccine coverage leaves millions of children vulnerable, fueling increased cases and outbreaks.
• Progress towards measles elimination is threatened by coverage gaps, particularly in vulnerable populations.
• Strengthened surveillance and targeted efforts to ensure universal two-dose measles vaccination are crucial for achieving elimination goals.