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

 
Journal article

Describing the toll of war on health in absentia

3 Apr 2017
Journal article
 
Medical care on the frontline - North Syria
Photo Story

Bringing aid close to the frontline

8 Mar 2017
Photo Story
 
Sara Ferrer, Medical Coordinator for Syria
Syria

The war has left tens of thousands of children unvaccinated

Voices from the Field 8 Mar 2017
 
Mulungu DRC measles vaccination
Democratic Republic of Congo

Fighting measles in South Kivu

Project Update 8 Feb 2017
 
Killer diseases

Seven killer diseases under the microscope

Documentary 27 Jan 2017
 
hospital in Paoua
Central African Republic

Providing guidance to ensure high quality care

Voices from the Field 13 Sep 2016
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