Rise in children being infected with measles
More children were infected with measles last year than in 2022.
Children all over the world continue to be at risk of measles, and this is why it is important to vaccinate.
According to the latest publication by the World Health Organization, more children suffered from measles infections in 2023 than in 2022.
The publication estimates that 10.3-million cases of measles occurred in 2023, a 20% increase from 2022.
This is reportedly due to inadequate immunisation coverage globally.
The report also states that:
- More than 22-million children missed their first dose of measles vaccine in 2023.
- Globally, an estimated 83% of children received their first dose of measles vaccine last year, while only 74% received the recommended second dose.
READ: Measles: The killer disease affecting kids
Health officials recommend vaccination as the most effective way to prevent measles. Children should get two doses of the MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) vaccine, starting with the first dose at 12 through 15 months of age. The second dose should be given from the age of 4 through 6 years of age. This is according to the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention.
In South Africa, vaccination is free at public clinics.
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