UN raises alarm about large number of measles deaths

Last year measles claimed the lives of 207,500 people worldwide. The World Health Organization, part of the United Nations, and the American Centers for Disease Control report this. There were major outbreaks in the Central African Republic, Congo, Georgia, Kazakhstan and Ukraine, among others.

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The number of deaths is 50% higher than in 2016, when the number of deaths had reached an all-time low. “We know how to avoid measles outbreaks and the deaths,” said Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, CEO of the World Health Organization, Thursday. “It is clear from this data that we are failing to protect children in every part of the world.”

To avoid measles outbreaks, 95 percent of the population must be vaccinated. However, the Covid-19 pandemic has suspended vaccinations in 26 countries. Currently, only 85 percent of people worldwide receive a first injection and 71 percent a second.

Measles causes a rash and fever and can lead to serious complications in children under 5 and adults over 30.

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