Measles poured to infect nearly 870,000 people globally in 2019, the worst numbers in almost a quarter of a century, as vaccination levels declined below critical levels, stated a report.

The report, co-led by the World Health Organization (WHO), has stated that millions of children are at risk of the disease again this year as restrictions imposed due to the COVID-19 pandemic cause further disruptions in the immunization programs. Over 207,000 people died of measles last year alone, noted the report. WHO Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, said that the data clearly indicate that we are failing to protect children from measles in every region of the world.

Source: Reuters, November 12, 2020