Skip to main content
MSF Nurse Gatwech Tuoch immunizes a child against measles
Measles killed an estimated 128,000 people in 2021 – mostly children aged under five – although a cheap and effective vaccine has existed for over half a century.

In 2021, around 81 per cent of children received a routine dose of measles vaccine by their first birthday, which is the lowest percentage since 2008. The disease is extremely contagious, yet easily preventable with two doses of a vaccine. MSF has vaccinated over 34 million children against measles since 2006. Outbreaks are fuelled by weak public immunisation systems and low vaccination coverage, including in areas of conflict and among high numbers of people living in close quarters, such as refugee camps.

Quick facts about measles

5 Minutes to Understand... Measles (ENG)
video

Measles: 5 minutes to understand

5 minutes to understand

Measles is a highly contagious disease can cause deadly epidemics.

The World Health Organization estimates that measles cases in Africa rose 700 per cent between 2018 and 2019.

In low-income countries, when measles is combined with malnutrition or malaria, it’s effects can be devastating. But, thanks to a safe, cheap and effective vaccine, measles is a preventable disease.

In Chad, Niger, and Nigeria, supply and cold chain issues, lack of staff and resources have all affected recent vaccination campaigns. As a result, epidemics that broke out in 2018 continue to claim lives.

Taking action in contexts like these necessitates a series of strategic decisions.

MSF Measles Intervention Bezambe: Nina and Ornella
A huge proportion of children are susceptible to measles. Anna-Clara Ivarsson

How Merveille beat measles

 
Resurgence of measles cases in Afghanistan
Afghanistan

Vaccinations crucial in curbing spike in measles cases among children

Project Update 16 May 2024
 
Yellow fever outbreak in W.E.S South Sudan
South Sudan

Urgent vaccination campaign needed to halt deadly measles outbreak in Western Equatoria state

Press Release 26 Mar 2024
 
Meales Isolation Unite
Yemen

The upsurge in measles cases shows no sign of abating

Voices from the Field 26 Mar 2024
 
Aerial view of the Bulengo IDP site
Democratic Republic of Congo

Massive needs everywhere as displacement reaches unprecedented levels in DRC

Project Update 20 Dec 2023
 
MSF Clinical Officer examines a child at the MSF Mobile Clinic
South Sudan

Sudan returnees arrive back in South Sudan in alarming health

Press Release 31 Aug 2023
 
Massakory - MSF emergency malnutrition response
Chad

Community-focused projects aim to reduce rising malnutrition in Chad

Project Update 28 Aug 2023
Advanced HIV management in Homa Bay
Medical Resource

MSF Field Research

We produce important research based on our field experience. So far, we have published articles in over 100 peer-reviewed journals. These articles have often changed clinical practice and have been used for humanitarian advocacy. All of these articles can be found on our dedicated Field Research website.

Visit site
Up Next
29 July 2020