Global Measles Crisis: A Preventable Emergency
Understanding the resurgence of one of the world's most contagious diseases
Understanding the Threat
Critical Complications
- 30% develop serious complications
- Pneumonia - leading cause of death
- Brain inflammation (encephalitis)
- Potential blindness in children
- SSPE - fatal condition 7-10 years later
Transmission Pathways
- Airborne droplets
- Direct contact with infected secretions
- Surface contamination (2-hour viability)
- 90% transmission rate to unvaccinated contacts
Mortality Impact
- 10% mortality rate in low-income countries
- 100,000+ annual deaths globally
- Majority of victims under age 5
- Immune system amnesia post-infection
Vaccination: The Shield
Vaccine Effectiveness
- 97% effective after 2 doses
- First dose at 1 year old
- Second dose between 3-5 years
- Adult doses 1 month apart
Coverage Challenges
- 95% coverage needed for community protection
- Current global coverage only 74%
- 40% spike in cases due to declining vaccination
- 100+ countries experiencing outbreaks
UNICEF's Response
250M
Annual vaccine doses delivered
¾
World's children reached
#1
Global vaccine buyer
UNICEF leads the Measles and Rubella Initiative alongside WHO, CDC, United Nations Foundation, and American Red Cross
