Oluwatobi Adu 
WHO-DG, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus
ABUJA, Nigeria – The World Health Organisation (WHO) says global immunisation efforts prevented nearly 59 million measles deaths between 2000 and 2024, achieving an 88 per cent reduction in mortality. However, the agency warned on Friday that the disease is resurging, with an estimated 11 million cases recorded in 2024 — almost 800,000 more than pre-pandemic levels.
Despite progress, measles killed around 95,000 people in 2024, mostly children under five. WHO Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus said the virus exploits lapses in vaccination and remains the world’s most contagious pathogen.
“Full vaccination of every child prevents outbreaks, saves lives and can eliminate measles entirely,” he said, urging stronger global coverage.
Cases rose sharply in several regions: 86 per cent in the Eastern Mediterranean, 47 per cent in Europe, and 42 per cent in South-East Asia. In contrast, Africa saw a 40 per cent decline due to improved immunisation efforts.
Ghebreyesus warned that deep funding cuts threaten progress as 59 countries recorded major outbreaks in 2024 — the highest since the pandemic. By 2024, 81 countries had eliminated measles, only three more than before COVID-19.
He said that while 84 per cent of children received the first measles dose, only 76 per cent received the second, far below the 95 per cent elimination threshold. More than 30 million children remain under-protected, especially in conflict-affected regions.
About the Author
Otamere Gladness 
Hussaini Ibrahim 
