Measles cases in the European region surged to a 25-year high in 2024, more than doubling from the previous year, the World Health Organisation (WHO) and UNICEF reported on Thursday, urging immediate action to restore vaccination levels that declined after the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to WHO data, 127,350 measles cases were reported across 53 European and Central Asian countries last year. Over 40% of those infected were children under the age of five.
"Measles is back, and it's a wake-up call," said Hans Kluge, WHO regional director for Europe, warning that low immunisation rates are fuelling outbreaks.
UNICEF highlighted that while pandemic disruptions initially weakened healthcare systems, ongoing misinformation about vaccines has played a critical role in the decline of immunisation rates.
"During the pandemic and in its aftermath, we saw a rise in the spread of misinformation which has led to an increase in hesitancy around vaccines," said Fatima Cengic, UNICEF’s immunisation specialist for the region.
The WHO noted that many countries have yet to return to pre-pandemic vaccination levels, putting millions at risk. The agency recommends at least 95% vaccine coverage to prevent outbreaks, but in 2023, first-dose vaccination rates in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Romania remained below 80%.
Romania reported the highest number of measles cases in the region last year, with 30,692 infections, followed by Kazakhstan with 28,147 cases.
Measles outbreaks have also made headlines in the United States. A surge in Texas and New Mexico led to the country’s first measles-related deaths in a decade, with cases rising to 256 this week. The outbreak poses an early challenge for U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a well-known vaccine sceptic.
Meanwhile, a source briefed on the matter told Reuters that the White House is withdrawing President Donald Trump’s nomination of vaccine critic Dave Weldon to lead the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Measles is one of the most contagious viruses affecting humans, with complications ranging from pneumonia and encephalitis to immune system damage.
The WHO and UNICEF have urged governments to boost public awareness and ensure stronger vaccination campaigns to prevent further outbreaks.
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Donald Trump announced Tuesday that Israel has accepted the key terms of a proposed 60-day ceasefire in Gaza, as part of renewed efforts to end the war.
A barge belonging to Egypt’s Offshore Shukheir Oil Company (Osoco) has capsized in the Gulf of Suez, with multiple deaths and dozens feared missing, the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources confirmed late Tuesday.
Denmark has expanded its military conscription to include women, aiming to recruit more soldiers and strengthen defence amid growing security concerns in Europe.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said it has been informed of a potential drone attack near Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant, raising fresh concerns over nuclear safety in a conflict zone.
The U.S. economy faces a 40% risk of recession in the second half of 2025, JP Morgan analysts said on Wednesday, citing rising tariffs and stagflation concerns.
China has ramped up efforts to protect communities impacted by flood control measures, introducing stronger compensation policies and direct aid from the central government.
Severe rain in Venezuela has caused rivers to overflow and triggered landslides, sweeping away homes and collapsing a highway bridge, with five states affected and no casualties reported so far.
A malfunction in the radar transmission system at the Area Control Center in Milan suspended more than 300 flights at the weekend, across northwest Italy since Saturday evening according to Italy's air traffic controller Enav (National Agency for Flight Assistance).
Thousands of protesters rallied in Bangkok on Saturday, demanding Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra resign as political and economic tensions mount.
France will impose its toughest outdoor smoking restrictions starting Monday, banning smoking at beaches, parks, playgrounds, and bus stops.
Scientists in Australia and the U.S. have developed an AI tool that could transform cancer care by revealing the hidden diversity of tumour cells and guiding more targeted therapies.
Singapore has launched its largest-ever study on paediatric food allergies, aiming to better understand and address the growing burden of allergic reactions among children.
Bill Gates says his foundation will not compensate for funding shortfalls caused by U.S. and UK aid cuts to global vaccination efforts, warning of rising child mortality as a result.
The world is facing a health financing emergency as global health investment risks falling to its lowest level in a decade, the World Health Organization (WHO) warned.
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