As the world marks World Immunization Week, a alarming trend is emerging: vaccine-preventable diseases like measles, meningitis, and yellow fever are making a comeback, with devastating consequences for global health. With funding cuts and misinformation on the rise, the future of immunization looks increasingly uncertain.
The World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, and Gavi have issued a warning about the increasing number of vaccine-preventable diseases such as ‘measles, meningitis, and yellow fever.’ The joint statement was made at the start of World Immunization Week, which takes place from April 24-30.
Measles has seen a significant increase in cases over the past year, with 10.3 million reported cases in 2023, representing a 20% rise within the last year alone. This upward trend is expected to continue in 2024 and 2025. In fact, 138 countries have reported measles cases, with 61 countries experiencing outbreaks. Since 2019, this has been the highest number of observed measles cases.
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease caused by the measles virus.
It affects millions of people worldwide, particularly in areas with low vaccination rates.
Symptoms include 'fever, cough, runny nose, and a distinctive rash that spreads from head to toe.'
Complications can be severe, especially for young children and immunocompromised individuals.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), measles is responsible for approximately 145,700 deaths annually.
Vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent measles outbreaks and protect public health.
In addition to measles, meningitis and yellow fever are also seeing a rise in cases. In Africa alone, more than 5,500 cases of meningitis were reported in the first three months of 2025, resulting in about 300 deaths. Meningitis cases have been particularly high in African countries, with 26,000 cases and almost 1,400 deaths reported across 24 countries in 2024.
Meningitis is a serious bacterial infection that inflames the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
It can be caused by various bacteria, viruses, or fungi.
Symptoms include fever, headache, stiff neck, and confusion.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there are over 200,000 cases of meningitis reported annually worldwide.
The disease is more common in children under five years old and teenagers.
Vaccination is available for certain types of meningitis, such as pneumococcal conjugate vaccine.
The joint statement attributed the rise in vaccine-preventable diseases to funding cuts, misinformation, and humanitarian crises. Gavi has called for at least $9 billion in funding ahead of its June 25 pledging summit to protect 500 million children and save at least 8 million lives from 2026-2030.
Despite efforts to catch up on missed vaccine doses after the pandemic, about 14.5 million children missed all their routine vaccine doses in 2023. This has raised concerns about whether children are being vaccinated enough.
