GENEVA — Measles cases surged by 20% worldwide in 2023, infecting 10.3 million people, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

In a joint report with the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the WHO attributed the increase to insufficient immunization coverage globally.

The UN agency highlighted that despite the availability of a preventable vaccine, more than 22 million children missed their first dose of the measles vaccine last year.

While an estimated 83% of children received their first dose in 2023, only 74% received the recommended second dose.

To prevent outbreaks and protect communities from one of the world’s most contagious viruses, the WHO emphasized that a 95% vaccination coverage rate for both doses is necessary in every country and community.

"Measles vaccine has saved more lives than any other vaccine in the past 50 years," said WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

"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."

CDC Director Mandy Cohen also urged continued investment in efforts to improve vaccine access.

The WHO reported that 57 countries experienced significant measles outbreaks in 2023, a nearly 60% increase from 36 countries the previous year. These outbreaks affected all regions except the Americas.

Although the number of measles-related deaths in 2023 showed a slight reduction of 8% compared to the previous year, an estimated 107,500 people, mostly children under five, died from the disease.

The decline in deaths was primarily due to improved nutrition and access to healthcare in regions where outbreaks occurred. — Agencies