GLOBAL MEASLES CASES ARE ON THE RISE, WHAT IS THE ROOT CAUSE?

The World Health Organization (WHO) and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have reported a concerning surge in global measles cases, which increased by over 20% in 2023 to an estimated 10.3 million. The rise in infections has led to approximately 107,500 deaths, mostly among young children—an “unacceptable” toll, according to health officials. As global measles cases are on the rise, what is the root cause? Baby with case of measles. ADOBE STOCK IMAGES The root cause: Lack of vaccination coverage. The root cause of the outbreak is a significant decline in vaccination coverage, which has made it harder to control the disease. Measles, a highly contagious virus, can lead to severe health complications, including blindness, brain damage, and pneumonia. It is preventable with two doses of the measles vaccine, which is 97% effective when administered correctly. Despite the availability of this life-saving vaccine, global vaccination rates have dropped, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic caused widespread disruptions to routine immunization programs, resulting in millions of missed vaccinations. In 2023, around 83% of children received their first measles vaccine dose, but only 74% received the second, which is critical for full protection. This...