WHO warns of ‘dangerous measles comeback’

MANILA, Philippines, May 30 ------ Over 2,000 measles cases have been recorded in the Philippines, prompting the World Health Organization (WHO) to warn of a “dangerous comeback” of vaccine-preventable diseases across East Asia and the Pacific. Based on data from the Department of Health (DOH), a total of 2,118 measles-rubella (MR) cases were recorded nationwide as of May 10. This figure is eight percent higher compared to the same period last year. The National Capital Region posted the highest number of cases with 642, followed by Calabarzon with 289, Mimaropa with 148, Central Luzon with 146, and Zamboanga Peninsula with 137.

In comparison, Mongolia recorded 2,682 cases as of May 21, while Cambodia confirmed 2,150 cases between January and April. The DOH noted that the Case Fatality Rate for the same period is slightly lower at 0.42 percent compared to 0.46 percent last year. However, vaccination coverage remains alarmingly low. Fully Immunized Child coverage – or children who received all recommended vaccines – reached only 64.85 percent, far below the WHO’s recommended 95 percent annual immunization rate.

The WHO said that measles cases in the Western Pacific Region are now at their highest level since 2020, signaling that many children are missing out on essential, life-saving vaccinations. “Measles is among the most infectious diseases in the world, with the potential to cause severe illness and death, especially in children,” the WHO stated.

Complications can include pneumonia, brain damage and lifelong disability. Health officials are raising the alarm over the growing number of unvaccinated children. WHO estimates that around 3.2 million children in the Western Pacific Region did not receive a single vaccine dose between 2020 and 2023 – leaving them highly vulnerable to outbreaks. Saia Ma’u Piukala, WHO regional director for the Western Pacific, stressed that the rise in measles cases reflects gaps in routine immunization and vaccination outreach, particularly in underserved communities. “This underscores the critical importance of ensuring every child is immunized to protect their health and that of our communities,” he said.

UNICEF regional director for East Asia and the Pacific June Kunugi echoed the concern, saying, “Measles and polio are highly infectious, and children are paying the price for gaps in coverage, delayed care, and misinformation. No child should suffer or die from a disease we know how to prevent.” WHO also pointed to growing vaccine hesitancy, driven by misinformation, disinformation and public distrust, as a major barrier to improving immunization rates. This trend, they warned, is further undermining families’ confidence in protecting their children’s health.

Health Secretary Ted Herbosa assured the public that the DOH continues to strengthen its routine vaccination efforts to close the immunization gap.

Source: philstar.com