**Alarming Surge in Measles Deaths: A Consequence of Declining Vaccination Rates**
*Introduction*
In a recent
report by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a
staggering surge of over 40% in measles deaths from 2021 to 2022 has been
highlighted. The primary driver behind this concerning trend is attributed to
the decline in measles vaccination rates, primarily influenced by disruptions
caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
*Global Impact of Measles Outbreaks*
Despite
efforts by some countries to improve vaccination rates post-pandemic,
low-income nations continue to grapple with declining rates. A joint report by
the World Health Organization (WHO) and the CDC sheds light on a substantial
increase in measles cases, deaths, and outbreaks globally between 2021 and
2022.
*Research Findings from the CDC's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR)*
Published in
the CDC's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR), the research indicates
an 18% rise in the estimated number of measles cases, soaring from
approximately 7.8 million cases to 9.2 million. The global measles death toll
has surged by 43%, escalating from 95,000 in 2021 to a staggering 136,200 in
2022. Additionally, the number of countries reporting "large or disruptive
outbreaks" of measles has surged from 22 in 2021 to 37 in 2022, marking a
68% increase.
*Concerns Voiced by CDC's Global Immunization Division Director*
Expressing
deep concern over the alarming rise in measles outbreaks and deaths, John
Vertefeuille, Director of the CDC's Global Immunization Division, underscores
the urgency of targeted efforts to prevent measles-related fatalities. He
highlights the worrying trend of declining vaccination rates witnessed in
recent years and emphasizes that measles cases in any location pose a risk to
communities with under-vaccination.
*Global Monitoring by WHO and UNICEF*
The World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF play a pivotal role in monitoring the administration of measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine doses globally. Between 2000 and 2019, vaccine coverage for the first MMR dose increased from 72% to 86% worldwide. One dose of the MMR vaccine provides 93% protection against measles, while two doses offer 97% protection.
*Pandemic Impact on Vaccination Coverage*
However, the
COVID-19 pandemic dealt a severe blow to vaccination efforts. In 2020, vaccine
coverage dropped to 83%, and in 2021, it further declined to 81%, as reported
by the MMWR. Although global coverage rebounded to 83% in 2022 due to recovery
in some countries, low-income nations continued to witness a decline in
vaccination rates.
The MMWR
reveals that from 2019 to 2021, vaccine coverage in low-income countries
decreased from 71% to 67% and then to 66% in 2022. Out of the 22 million
children who missed their first MMR vaccine dose in 2022, more than half reside
in ten countries: Angola, Brazil, the Democratic Republic of the Congo,
Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Madagascar, Nigeria, Pakistan, and the Philippines.
*Call for Action by WHO Director for Immunization*
Dr. Kate
O'Brien, the WHO's director for immunization, vaccine, and biologicals,
underscores the imperative need for action in response to the lack of recovery
in measles vaccine coverage among low-income countries after the pandemic. She
asserts that children worldwide have the right to be protected by the
life-saving measles vaccine, irrespective of their geographical location.
*Critical Need for Second MMR Dose*
Global
coverage for the second MMR dose stood at 74% in 2022. However, to safeguard
communities from outbreaks, both the first and second doses should achieve a
coverage rate of 95%, according to the CDC.
*Conclusion*
In
conclusion, the surge in measles deaths highlighted in the recent CDC report
serves as a stark reminder of the far-reaching consequences of declining
vaccination rates, exacerbated by the disruptions caused by the COVID-19
pandemic. Urgent and targeted efforts are crucial to prevent further outbreaks
and fatalities. The collaborative initiatives of global health organizations,
coupled with a renewed commitment to vaccination, are imperative to protect
children worldwide from the devastating impact of measles
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