Global Childhood Measles Vaccination Rates Fall Post-COVID
A study from the University of Queensland reveals that global childhood measles vaccination rates have declined significantly since the COVID-19 pandemic. The research highlights a 40% increase in measles cases between 2019 and 2023, urging for restored immunization programs to prevent further outbreaks.
Why it matters
Measles is a highly contagious and potentially fatal disease; the decline in vaccination coverage threatens decades of public health progress and risks widespread outbreaks among vulnerable populations.
Routine vaccine program disruptions and under-resourced health systems are driving a global decline in childhood measles vaccination rates post COVID-19, a study has found.
University of Queensland researchers examined measles cases, deaths and vaccine gaps in children under 5 across 204 countries and territories from 1990 to 2023, finding estimated cases rose 40 per cent from 11.1 million in 2019 to 15.6 million in 2023.
Associate Professor Benn Sartorius , from UQ's Frazer Institute, said childhood measles immunisation rates have been going backwards since COVID-19.
"This has contributed to a global resurgence of measles in young children," Dr Sartorius said.
"It backtracks on decades of progress, where a nearly 80 per cent decline in measles cases was recorded worldwide between 1990-2019.
"The resurgence coincides with COVID-19 related disruptions to immunisation programs, health systems, and funding - reflecting both the fragility of measles control and vulnerability of children in lower-resourced areas.
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