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.
A 5.6 magnitude earthquake struck Sulawesi, Indonesia, on Friday, sending tremors across the region. Local authorities are now assessing potential damage and preparing for possible aftershocks.
Today's "Blood Moon" total lunar eclipse captivated viewers worldwide, with stunning photos capturing the moon's striking red hue as it passed through Earth's shadow.
More than a million people in Myanmar are set to lose access to vital food aid from the World Food Programme next month due to a severe funding shortfall, exacerbating the country’s ongoing humanitarian crisis amid escalating conflict and displacement.
Russia has escalated tensions with Britain, accusing it of being a "warmonger" and the primary obstacle to peace efforts in Ukraine. The accusations come as the UK continues to support Ukraine with military aid, drawing sharp criticism from Moscow.
In a warehouse in Shanghai, approximately one hundred humanoid robots are being manufactured to perform everyday tasks with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
A 5.6 magnitude earthquake struck Sulawesi, Indonesia, on Friday, sending tremors across the region. Local authorities are now assessing potential damage and preparing for possible aftershocks.
Uzbekistan has signed an agreement with French and Japanese companies to initiate uranium production in the Navoi region by the end of 2025.
Mark Carney will be sworn in as Canada’s prime minister on Friday, marking a historic rise for the ex-central banker with no prior political experience.
Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte appears at the International Criminal Court in The Hague, facing murder allegations over his deadly "war on drugs." Arrested on an ICC warrant, he is the first Asian ex-head of state to stand trial for crimes against humanity.
Today's "Blood Moon" total lunar eclipse captivated viewers worldwide, with stunning photos capturing the moon's striking red hue as it passed through Earth's shadow.
XPeng Motors plans to mass-produce flying cars by 2026, becoming the first company globally to do so. CEO He Xiaopeng also highlighted advancements in autonomous driving and humanoid robotics as part of the company’s future tech initiatives.
World leaders welcomed the 30-day ceasefire proposal that Ukraine has agreed to, calling it a step toward ending the conflict with Russia.
The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) is set to condemn Trump’s Gaza “Riviera” plan, backing Egypt’s $53 billion reconstruction proposal. A classified draft resolution, rejects the relocation of Gazans, calls for urgent international support, and mobilises opposition to the U.S. stance.
In Tuesday’s closely watched parliamentary election, Greenland’s pro-business opposition Demokraatit party took a commanding lead after over 90% of the ballots were counted.
BioNTech forecasts a revenue decline for 2025, expecting between 1.7 billion and 2.2 billion euros, down from 2.75 billion euros last year. This drop is due to Pfizer write-downs and stable vaccination rates. BioNTech also plans significant job cuts and new hires.
Cases in Europe are expected to rise in the coming months, the ECDC warned, citing seasonal trends and low vaccination rates. With over 32,000 cases reported in the past year—mostly in Romania—health officials stress the urgent need for higher immunization to prevent further outbreaks.
Pope Francis had a restful night, the Holy See Press Office said on Wednesday, two days after the Pope's doctors said his prognosis was no longer guarded even if he requires more time in the hospital.
The World Health Organization WHO has announced a road map for cuts and tightening as it navigates a different reality in the absence of US funding.
A recent Brazilian study suggests that fish oil may play a key role in reducing insulin resistance and improving glucose tolerance, offering hope for non-obese individuals with type 2 diabetes.
A 5.6 magnitude earthquake struck Sulawesi, Indonesia, on Friday, sending tremors across the region. Local authorities are now assessing potential damage and preparing for possible aftershocks.
Uzbekistan has signed an agreement with French and Japanese companies to initiate uranium production in the Navoi region by the end of 2025.
Mark Carney will be sworn in as Canada’s prime minister on Friday, marking a historic rise for the ex-central banker with no prior political experience.
Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte appears at the International Criminal Court in The Hague, facing murder allegations over his deadly "war on drugs." Arrested on an ICC warrant, he is the first Asian ex-head of state to stand trial for crimes against humanity.
Today's "Blood Moon" total lunar eclipse captivated viewers worldwide, with stunning photos capturing the moon's striking red hue as it passed through Earth's shadow.
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