WHO warns 11 million could contract measles in 2026 as vaccination rates fall

The World Health Organization estimates that nearly 11 million people could contract measles in 2026, with the largest burden expected in Africa and Asia. Outbreaks are also being reported across Europe and the Americas as falling vaccination coverage leaves communities vulnerable. WHO says two doses of a measles-containing vaccine provide up to 97% protection, but routine childhood immunisation programmes were disrupted during the COVID-19 pandemic, leaving millions of children without timely vaccines.

Although the Big Catch-Up initiative has delivered over 100 million vaccine doses reaching an estimated 18.3 million children, an estimated 14.3 million infants still received no routine vaccine in 2024. Children who have not received measles vaccination are particularly vulnerable, especially in communities affected by malnutrition, poverty, conflict and limited healthcare access. Serious complications can include pneumonia, severe diarrhoea, encephalitis, blindness and permanent hearing loss. There is no specific antiviral treatment for measles, medical care focuses on managing symptoms and treating complications.