WHO Warns Global Measles Cases Soar, 30 Million Children Don't Get Vaccines

JAKARTA - Sacrificial cases in various countries have soared again as millions of children have not received the vaccine after years of disruption by the COVID-19 pandemic. World health officials call this trend a signal of danger that needs to be addressed immediately.

"The impact remains one of the most contagious respiratory viruses," said Dr. Kate O'Brien, WHO's Director of Immunization, Vaccines and Biologists, quoted from the United Nations website.

He explained that one infected person could transmit this disease to 18 other people.

"Many people thinkrus is not a serious disease, even though it is serious and can be deadly. One in five infected children eventually has to be hospitalized," he explained.

Last year, about 11 million people worldwide were infected with Measles, an increase of nearly 800 thousand cases compared to the pre-pandemic period. Most of the deaths occurred in children under the age of five with about 80 percent coming from Africa and the Eastern Mediterranean region.

But Dr. O'Brien insists this condition can actually be prevented.

"No child should suffer fromcarpage," he said.

"Two doses of vaccine provide 95 percent protection. Tragically, many children are unprotected because the health system has not managed to reach them," he added.

The spike in Measles outbreaks seems to be increasingly real. Throughout 2024, as many as 59 countries experienced major outbreaks or disturbances due to Measles, almost three times compared to 2021. A quarter of the country had previously succeeded in eliminatingembiracy.

Globally, only 84 percent of children received the first dose of Measles vaccine last year and fewer, about 76 percent received a very important second dose.

This condition leaves about 30 million children without adequate protection. Three-quarters of these numbers are in Africa and the Eastern Mediterranean, including areas affected by conflict or have a population that is highly mobile.

"The impact does not recognize national borders," said Diana Chang-Blanc, WHO's Head of Essential Immunization Program.

"A country is only completely protected if every child, wherever they are, gets complete immunization," he added.

The WHO said there were three main factors that triggered an increase in cases ofcampus.

1. Resignation during the pandemic, when many health workers are diverted to deal with COVID-19.

2. The number of children without one dose of vaccine, especially in vulnerable areas and affected by conflict.

3. Weak routine vaccination systems, even in countries where the health system is quite strong.

In addition, false information regarding vaccines is still a challenge. However, Dr. O'Brien stressed that the main problem is not public doubts, but access.

"The biggest obstacle is access, not doubt," he said.

"Parents everywhere want the best for their children. What they need is reliable information and a health system that can reach them," he continued.

He also invited political leaders, community leaders, and religious leaders to convey accurate and evidence-based information, because public trust is the main foundation for the success of the vaccination program.

Through the global campaign Big Catch-Up', more than 11 million children have been successfully vaccinated, and the program will still run until 2025.

Even so, WHO emphasized that countries need to improve the monitoring system, accelerate responses to outbreaks, and strengthen political commitments so that the 2030 Immunization Agenda target can be achieved.