According to the World Health organisation, more than 10 million cases of measles were recorded last year.
The figure represents a 20% increase in comparison to the previous year.
In 2023, the highly contagious disease claimed more than 107,000 lives, a majority of them children.
A fall in vaccine coverage is behind the spike in cases.
It’s a trend that’s occuring in different areas around the world, according to the director of the US Centres for Disease Control and prevention.
57 countries saw significant measles outbreaks last year; almost half were reported in Africa.
One of the most infectious diseases, measles can result in a rash, flu like symptoms and fever.
It can lead to serious complications, parlicularly in young children.
At least 95% measles vaccine coverage is required to avert outbreaks. However, 83% percent of children were administered with their first dose of the vaccine in 2023, and only 74% were given their second dose.
The WHO has warned that the global aim of eradicating measles by the end of the decade is under threat.
Source: Africanews
