A child is vaccinated as part of an integrated catch-up campaign for routine immunization, nutrition, and growth monitoring in the Gaza Strip in November 2025. Photo Credit: WHO
Health The WorldMeasles Vaccine Efforts Have Saved 59 Million Lives in 25 Years
Global immunisation campaigns have cut measles deaths by 88% since 2000, saving nearly 59 million lives and bringing the world closer to eliminating one of its deadliest childhood diseases.
“When every child is vaccinated, outbreaks can be avoided, and lives can be saved,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General.
More than 80% of children worldwide now receive their first measles vaccine dose, and 2024 saw an increase of two million newly immunised children compared with the previous year. The African Region recorded a 50% drop in deaths thanks to rising coverage, and 96 countries have now eliminated measles entirely, including the first three in Africa. The milestone highlights how coordinated vaccination drives and stronger health systems are protecting millions of children and moving the world closer to a measles-free future.
