In a joint statement, both organizations noted that the positive trend in reducing morbidity was achieved thanks to active measures to combat outbreaks, including additional immunization campaigns and a decrease in the number of susceptible individuals following previous outbreaks in under-vaccinated groups.
Nevertheless, the incidence rate in 2025 still exceeds the figures of most years since 2000, and in some countries, there is even an increase in the number of cases compared to 2024. Measles cases continue to be recorded in 2026 as well.
Regina De Dominicis, UNICEF Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia, emphasized that the conditions facilitating the return of this dangerous infection are still present. She noted that as long as all children are not vaccinated, and the issue of vaccine hesitancy, often fueled by misinformation, is not resolved, the risk of serious illness and fatalities will remain high.
Hans Henri P. Kluge, head of the WHO Regional Office for Europe, reminded that over the past three years, more than 200,000 people have contracted measles. He stressed the importance of achieving a 95% vaccination coverage in every community, closing immunity gaps, and strengthening epidemiological surveillance to stop the spread of the virus.
According to the European Regional Verification Commission for Measles and Rubella Elimination, the number of countries with sustained or newly emerging endemic transmission of the infection has increased to 19, marking the largest setback in the fight against measles in recent years.
WHO and UNICEF continue to work together with governments and international partners to strengthen vaccination programs, train healthcare workers, and conduct campaigns to catch up on missed immunizations.
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