14.03.2025 19:13
The World Health Organization reported that last year saw the highest number of measles cases reported in the "European Region," which includes Europe and Central Asia, since 1997. In a statement regarding the issue, the organization's European Director, Hans Kluge, said, "Measles has returned, and this is a wake-up call. There can be no health security without high vaccination rates."
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The World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) have published a report on measles cases in 53 countries in Europe and Central Asia for the year 2024.
HIGHEST NUMBER OF CASES IN EUROPE IN 27 YEARS
The report states that 127,350 measles cases have been reported in the European Region for 2024, "This is double the number reported for 2023 and the highest number of cases seen in the region since 1997."
MORE THAN 40% OF CASES WERE IN CHILDREN UNDER 5 YEARS OLD
The report indicates that more than 40% of the cases were seen in children under 5 years old, and it was noted that more than half of the reported cases were hospitalized. The report shared that "(as of March 6, 2025, for 2024 and beyond) a total of 38 deaths due to measles have been reported." It was also noted that the European Region accounted for one-third of all global measles cases in 2024.
"MEASLES HAS RETURNED, THIS IS A CALL TO ACTION"
Hans Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe, whose views were included in the report, stated: "Measles has returned, and this is a call to action. There can be no health security without high vaccination rates. As we shape our new regional health strategy for Europe and Central Asia, we cannot afford to regress. Every country must increase its efforts to reach unvaccinated communities."
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