The World Health Organization warns measles cases worldwide have reached 10.3 million in 2023.
That represents a 20% increase over the previous year, and the WHO says “inadequate immunization is to blame.”
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WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebrayusus warned, “We must invest in immunization for every person, no matter where they live.”
The threat of rising global measles cases
The official WHO page says measles (tigdas) is one of the world’s most infectious diseases.
Moreover, countries need to inoculate at least 95% of their populations to prevent global measles cases from turning into outbreaks.
Specifically, that number of people need two doses of the vaccine.
Unfortunately, the WHO says over 22 million children missed their first dose in 2023.
Around 22 million children missed their first measles vaccination in the same year.
Also, only 74% had their second dose.
The new data showed that an estimated 107,500 people, mostly children younger than five, died due to measles in 2023.
The WHO says it’s an 8% decrease from the previous year, but too many children are still dying from this preventable condition.
Those who survive can develop serious health effects like blindness, pneumonia and encephalitis.
Rising global measles cases threaten the WHO Immunization Agenda 2030, which aims for 90% coverage of essential vaccines in childhood and adolescence.
The WHO and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reiterate the importance of further immunization.
CDC Director Mandy Cohen stated: “The measles vaccine is our best protection against the virus, and we must continue to invest in efforts to increase access.”
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus added: “To save even more lives and stop this deadly virus from harming the most vulnerable, we must invest in immunization for every person, no matter where they live.”
The Philippines amid rising measles cases worldwide
The Philippines has been taking measures to protect Filipinos from tigdas.
In 2014, it launched the “Goodbye Tigdas” campaign to increase vaccination in these regions:
- National Capital Region (NCR)
- CALABARZON (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon)
- Central Luzon (Bulacan and Pampanga)
Online statistics website Statista says 69% of children aged 12 to 23 months received their vaccines in 2022.
It represents a 12% increase compared to 2021, but it falls short of WHO’s target.
Nevertheless, it’s a significant step in curbing global measles cases.
The Department of Science and Technology says there’s no specific treatment for measles. You may only relieve the symptoms until your immune system fights off the virus:
- Drink plenty of fluids.
- Take medicines to soothe fever and pain. However, you must not take antibiotics as they don’t eliminate the virus.
- See a doctor if the symptoms worsen.
The Department of Health provides measles vaccines. Contact your local health centers to learn more about the DOH Immunization Programs.