An estimated 107,500 people, mostly children under the age of 5, died of measles in 2023, according to a new report released by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Since 2000, measles vaccination has saved an estimated 60.3 million lives—a remarkable achievement. However, the data show an increase in unprotected children as measles vaccination coverage has stalled. More than 22 million children missed a measles vaccine dose last year, and children in low-income countries and conflict-affected regions are bearing the heaviest burden. 

The measles vaccine has protected more people than any other vaccine in the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI), a global health initiative that provides vaccines to prevent infectious diseases in vulnerable populations. In a world where every country recommends the measles vaccine for children and each region aims for elimination, no child should die of measles. To reach zero deaths, we need urgent, targeted action in the highest-risk settings.

The rapid spread of measles underscores critical gaps in immunization coverage, as the virus remains one of the world’s most contagious infections. Last year, measles cases reached approximately 10.3 million—a 20% increase over the previous year.

“The Measles vaccine is safe and effective and is available in every country in the world. All deaths from measles are preventable and no child should die from measles anywhere,” said Natasha Crowcroft, senior technical advisor on Measles and Rubella at the WHO and Measles and Rubella Partnership (M&RP) co-chair. “We need concerted action to reach all children with these lifesaving vaccines.” 

The data also revealed a surge in large or disruptive outbreaks. In 2023, 57 countries experienced outbreaks, and they occurred in many regions, such as Europe, Southeast Asia, and the Western Pacific, compared to 36 countries in 2022. Amid these challenges, the African region achieved a 2% increase in measles vaccination coverage, marking a significant turnaround in a year when many countries saw declining coverage. While much work remains, this is a good step forward. 

This mixed progress underscores the need for new strategies to reach unprotected children, especially in hard-to-reach areas. Microarray patch vaccines (MR-MAPs), which showed promising trial results in 2022, could be a game-changer. This innovation allows for easier vaccine delivery in hard-to-reach areas without extensive cold chain infrastructure. Drawing from the accelerated vaccine development during the COVID-19 pandemic, the M&RP urges fast-tracking MR-MAPs to reach those most in need. Without these efforts, no country is fully protected from the devastating impact of measles outbreaks. 

Encouraging and supporting countries to introduce the rubella-containing measles vaccine (MR) into routine immunization programs is another strategy to improve protection for vulnerable children. The recent announcement from the World Health Organization’s Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization (SAGE) to remove barriers to universal rubella vaccine introduction opens the door for wide age-range measles and rubella campaigns in many of the most affected countries and could save tens of thousands of lives from congenital rubella syndrome and measles every year.  

Since 2001, M&RP has worked with countries to vaccinate millions of children, helping to prevent an estimated 57 million deaths. Our work continues. Achieving and maintaining 95% coverage for two doses of the measles vaccine is essential to safeguarding communities and preventing future outbreaks. M&RP calls on all global health partners to prioritize vaccine access, strengthen surveillance systems, and help countries bolster their immunization capacity.

Measles remains a preventable disease, yet it continues to claim lives, especially among the most vulnerable. With renewed focus and collaboration, we can close these immunization gaps, bring life-saving vaccines to communities worldwide, and ensure that no child suffers or dies from this disease.

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The Measles & Rubella Partnership (M&RP) is a global initiative to stop measles and rubella. Under the umbrella of Immunization Agenda 2030 and guided by the Measles and Rubella Strategic Framework 2030, M&RP’s mission includes addressing the global decline in national vaccination coverage, hastening COVID-19 pandemic recovery, and accelerating progress towards creating a world free of measles and rubella. The partnership includes the American Red Cross, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, UNICEF, the United Nations Foundation, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the World Health Organization.

 

Quotes from M&RP members:

Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance:

 “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.” – Derrick Sim, Chief Vaccines Programmes and Markets Officer

 

United Nations Foundation:

“The data is irrefutable: children are dying needlessly, their lives stolen by a preventable disease. Measles is a ruthless threat, and every life lost to it is a tragedy we could have prevented. Public health leaders have the capacity to act, and they must act with urgency, to ensure every child, everywhere, has access to the life-saving measles vaccine. One child lost is one too many.” – Dr. Ahmed Ogwell, Vice President of Global Health Strategy

 

U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

 “The number of measles infections are rising around the globe, endangering lives and health. The measles vaccine is our best protection against the virus, and we must continue to invest in efforts to increase access.” – CDC Director Mandy Cohen

 

World Health Organization: 

“Measles vaccine has saved more lives than any other vaccine in the past 50 years. To save even more lives and stop this deadly virus from harming the most vulnerable, we must invest in immunization for every person, no matter where they live.” – Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General

 

International Services at the American Red Cross:

“We must come together as humanitarians to alleviate the indescribable anguish measles deaths cause to families and communities, especially given the fact that this is a disease easily preventable by vaccination. The American Red Cross stands committed with our partners around the globe to reach every single child and ensure they are protected against this deadly disease.” – Jarrett Barrios, Senior Vice President, International Services at the American Red Cross