ACCORDING to the World Health Organization, measles affected more than 10.3 million people in 2023, representing a 20 per cent increase compared to 8.65 million cases in 2022. The rise in outbreaks is attributed to gaps in vaccination coverage, particularly in underdeveloped countries and those facing armed conflicts, as noted in a WHO press release on 14 November.
Measles is a common viral infection among children under five. It is highly contagious and can lead to severe complications. Last year, half of all measles infections were reported in African countries. While measles can be treated with two doses of the vaccine, global vaccination coverage has not yet reached all populations.
Regardless of age, individuals who miss opportunities for adequate measles vaccination can be infected by the disease. Measles is primarily spread through coughing and sneezing. Medical experts also warn that the infection can be transmitted through contact with nasal and throat fluids from infected individuals, as well as through close contact with them.
According to WHO records, measles vaccination saved more than 60 million lives worldwide from 2000 to 2023. Despite the availability of safe and affordable vaccines, the number of unvaccinated children is rising due to reduced vaccine coverage globally. Tragically, measles claimed approximately 128,000 lives of people in 2021, 136,000 in 2022, and 107,500 in 2023. The majority of these fatalities were children under five who had not received the vaccination yet due to various reasons such as instability, armed conflicts, financial problems, outbreaks of disasters and poverty.
According to data compiled by the Department of Public Health in Myanmar, measles emerged as a pandemic in the country in 2011 and 2022. In 2013, the disease was particularly prevalent among individuals aged 18 to 20, with 15 outbreaks reported. Currently, the government is running a regular vaccination campaign as part of its efforts to mitigate measles outbreaks and address public health challenges in Southeast Asia by 2030.
The world was already grappling with a measles crisis before the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Throughout history, medical scientists have saved millions of lives through their innovations and research. Despite total unaffordability against disasters and diseases, global people must defy the spreading of diseases as much as they can. Now, concerted efforts must be made to vaccinate people, especially children, against measles and other communicable diseases, in order to build a safer and healthier society.
