SNAP ANALYSIS
14 November 2024 – A joint publication by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published today highlightsa rise in measles cases but reports a drop in measles mortality in 2023. Measles cases globally in 2023 are reported to have increased by 20% to over 10.3 million, but mortality dropped by 8% (107,500 from 116,800) compared to 2022. In 2023, 57 countries experienced outbreaks, revealing gaps in vaccine coverage.
African countries have however exhibited resilience and increased vaccine coverage by 2 percentage points to 70% amid a rising birth cohort and competing public health priorities.
Measles is highly contagious requiring at least 95% vaccine coverage with 2 doses of measles/rubella vaccine to prevent outbreaks. The continuing trend of measles outbreaks in low-income countries as well as high- and middle-income countries is a stark reminder of the on-going need to address gaps in coverage everywhere.
In response, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, in partnership with lower-income countries, has focused on strengthening routine immunization through the introduction of a 2nd dose of measles containing vaccine, as well as on implementing timely, quality preventive campaigns to further reduce the risk of outbreaks. Timely, high coverage campaigns reaching un- and under-immunised children are key to closing growing immunity gaps, particularly in countries with routine immunization challenges and in fragile and conflict settings. Gavi also funds measles outbreak response in lower-income countries through the Measles & Rubella Partnership’s Outbreak Response Fund.
In 2024, Gavi is supporting governments, communities and partners to roll out preventive catch-up and follow-up campaigns to reach up to 100 million children with measles-containing vaccines in 24 countries.
This builds on efforts from 2023, where Gavi supported 11 lower-income countries to reach 8.5 million children with measles-containing vaccines. Vaccination efforts in 2024 have also been boosted through Gavi Board approval of US$ 290 million in funding for the “Big Catch Up” initiative, focused on supporting countries to close immunity gaps created due to disrupted immunization programmes during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Combined, this represents one of the largest pushes against measles in lower-income countries in the Alliance’s 24 year history. Such sustained efforts across countries are critical in driving up coverage towards the 95% to curb outbreaks. In 2025, Gavi will continue working with partners to support countries. This includes supporting countries to switch to 5-dose vials, which can help increase coverage and reduce wastage.
Derrick Sim, Chief Vaccines Programmes and Markets Officer at Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance comments:
“Against a backdrop of increasing measles outbreaks, lower-income countries have undertaken historic efforts to improve coverage and respond to emergencies. For instance, first dose coverage in African countries went up by 2% in 2023. We must sustain this effort to reach the high levels of coverage needed to prevent outbreaks and deaths: every child deserves to be protected from measles, and often it is the most vulnerable at risk. Gavi is committed to ensuring each child has equal access to the lifesaving power of vaccines.”
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