Brussels - New York: Europe and the Arabs
The World Health Organization and UNICEF reported that more than 127,000 measles cases were recorded in the European Region in 2024, double the number of cases reported in 2023 and the highest number since 1997, according to the UN Daily News Bulletin, a copy of which we received on Friday morning.
Children under the age of five accounted for more than 40 percent of the reported cases in the region – which includes 53 countries in Europe and Central Asia. More than half of the reported cases required hospitalization.
38 deaths were reported, based on preliminary data received as of March 6, 2025, according to a report issued by the two UN agencies. Measles cases in the region have generally declined since 1997, when approximately 216,000 cases were reported, reaching a low of 4,440 in 2016.
However, a resurgence of the disease was observed during 2018 and 2019, and cases rose significantly again in 2023 and 2024, following a decline in immunization coverage during the COVID-19 pandemic. Vaccination rates in many countries have not returned to pre-pandemic levels, increasing the risk of outbreaks.
Warning Bell
“Measles is back, and this is a warning bell,” said Dr. Hans-Henri Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe. “Without high vaccination rates, there is no health security. As we formulate our new regional health strategy for Europe and Central Asia, we cannot afford to lose further progress. Every country must intensify efforts to reach under-vaccinated communities. The measles virus is not resting—and neither can we.” The European Region accounted for one-third of all measles cases globally in 2024. In 2023 alone, nearly half a million children across the region missed the first dose of the measles vaccine, which should be administered through routine immunization services.
Urgent government action needed
“Measles cases across Europe and Central Asia have risen dramatically over the past two years—pointing to gaps in immunization coverage,” said Regina De Dominis, UNICEF Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia. “To protect children from this deadly and debilitating disease, we need urgent government action, including sustained investments in health care workers.”
Measles is one of the most contagious viruses infecting humans. In addition to hospitalization and death from complications including pneumonia, encephalitis, diarrhea, and dehydration, measles can cause debilitating long-term health complications such as blindness.
It can also damage the immune system by “erasing” its memory of how to fight infections, leaving measles survivors vulnerable to other diseases. Vaccination is the best line of defense against the virus.