A new report published on Friday in the CDC's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) has revealed alarming statistics regarding the rise in measles cases and deaths between 2021 and 2022. The report, conducted by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), indicates a significant increase in measles outbreaks and fatalities worldwide.

According to the research, there has been an 18% surge in the estimated number of measles cases, rising from approximately 7.8 million cases in 2021 to 9.2 million in 2022. Moreover, the report shows a harrowing 43% rise in measles deaths globally, increasing from 95,000 in 2021 to 136,200 in 2022. Alongside these distressing figures, the number of countries experiencing "large or disruptive outbreaks" of measles has jumped from 22 in 2021 to 37 in 2022, a 68% increase.

The report highlights the concerning decline in vaccination rates over the past few years as a key factor contributing to the surge in measles cases and deaths. John Vertefeuille, director of the CDC's Global Immunization Division, expressed his alarm, stating, "The increase in measles outbreaks and deaths is staggering, but unfortunately, not unexpected given the declining vaccination rates we've seen in the past few years."

Vertefeuille emphasized the need for urgent and targeted efforts to prevent measles disease and deaths. He noted, "Measles cases anywhere pose a risk to all countries and communities where people are under-vaccinated."

The report also sheds light on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on vaccine coverage. In 2020, as the pandemic hit, coverage for the first measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine dose fell to 83%, and in 2021, it dropped further to 81%. However, there was a slight increase to 83% in 2022 as some countries recovered from pandemic setbacks. Unfortunately, low-income countries continued to experience a decline in vaccination rates.

From 2019 to 2021, coverage in low-income countries fell from 71% to 67%, and then to 66% in 2022, the report states. Among the 22 million children who missed their first MMR vaccine dose in 2022, over half reside in Angola, Brazil, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Madagascar, Nigeria, Pakistan, and the Philippines.

Dr. Kate O'Brien, the WHO's director for immunization, vaccine and biologicals, expressed her concern about the lack of recovery in measles vaccine coverage in low-income countries following the pandemic. She asserts, "The lack of recovery in measles vaccine coverage in low-income countries following the pandemic is an alarm bell for action. Children everywhere have the right to be protected by the lifesaving measles vaccine, no matter where they live."

To protect communities from outbreaks, coverage with both the first and second MMR vaccine doses needs to reach 95%, as advised by the CDC. However, as of 2022, worldwide coverage with the second MMR dose stands at 74%, falling short of the necessary threshold.

The findings of this report underscore the urgent need for collective actions to address the gaps in measles vaccination worldwide. Governments, health organizations, and communities must collaborate to improve vaccine coverage and ensure that children receive the necessary protection against this highly contagious and potentially fatal disease.