Global rise in measles cases and deaths

The World Health Organization and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report a global rise in measles cases and deaths due to declining vaccination rates during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2022, first-dose measles vaccine coverage was 83%, with only 34% of countries reaching the 95% target. Measles cases increased by 18% from 2021 to 2022, with 136,200 estimated deaths. Low-income countries show no recovery in vaccination rates. WHO and CDC urge urgent action to prevent measles outbreaks and deaths.