Measles cases globally increased by 20 per cent to over 10.3 million cases in 2023, compared to nine million cases recorded in 2022.
The data was released in a joint publication by the World Health Organisation (WHO), and the United States Centres for Disease Control (CDC), on Thursday.
The publication is the “2024 WHO-CDC Measles Report and the State of Measles Vaccination in Lower-income Countries.”
The report showed deaths from measles dropped to 107,500 from 116,800, an eight per cent decline compared to 2022 figures.
According to the report, 57 countries experienced outbreaks in 2023, revealing gaps in vaccine coverage.
“African countries have, however, exhibited resilience and increased vaccine coverage by two percentage points to 70 per cent amid a rising birth cohort and competing public health priorities,” the report revealed.
Measles is a highly contagious, serious airborne disease caused by a virus that can lead to severe complications and death. It requires at least 95 per cent vaccine coverage with two doses of measles or 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 ongoing need to address gaps in coverage everywhere,” it said.
It noted that the measles-containing vaccine is safe, effective and inexpensive, adding that highly effective measles vaccination campaigns are needed to supplement routine immunisation.
Children are required to receive two doses of the vaccine to ensure immunity: the first routine dose usually at nine months and the second dose at 15 to 18 months of age.
Nigeria is among 24 countries whose applications for catch-up and follow-up campaigns were approved by Gavi’s Independent Review Committee (IRC), of experts, aiming to reach over 100 million children in 2024.
