Global measles cases projected to reach 11 million in 2026

Health experts have issued warnings regarding a global resurgence of measles, with an estimated 11 million people expected to contract the disease in 2026. The surge is driven by declining and uneven vaccination coverage across multiple continents, including Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas.

While outbreaks are concentrated in low- and middle-income countries, the virus has also re-emerged in nations with advanced healthcare systems. In low- and middle-income regions, approximately 80 percent of young children receive at least one vaccine dose, and only about 70 percent receive the recommended two doses. In contrast, while high-income countries maintain higher rates, Europe averages 94 percent for one dose and 88 percent for two doses.

The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes that because measles is highly contagious, communities require a vaccination coverage rate above 95 percent to prevent sustained transmission. The immunity gap was exacerbated by disruptions to routine childhood immunization programs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Although initiatives like the ‘Big Catch-Up’ have delivered over 100 million doses to approximately 18.3 million children, significant gaps in routine vaccination remain.