A new WHO report reveals the measles vaccine has saved nearly 59 million lives since the year 2000.

By Aniket Chakraborty Nov 29, 2025 Arrow HEALTH & WELLNESS

Global measles deaths dropped by 88% between 2000 and 2024, marking a major health victory.

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Yet 2024 saw an estimated 11 million measles infections — nearly 8 lakh more than in 2019.

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Around 95,000 people, mostly children under 5, died from measles in 2024 alone.

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WHO warns measles is the world’s most contagious virus and exploits any gaps in vaccination.

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Only 84% of children received the first vaccine dose and 76% got the second in 2024.

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More than 30 million children worldwide remain under-protected against measles.

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Africa saw a 40% fall in cases, but Europe, South-East Asia, and the Middle East saw major surges.

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Measles outbreaks were reported in 59 countries — triple the number seen in 2021.

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Despite progress, WHO says the 2030 global measles elimination goal remains far out of reach.

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