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WHO has stated that measles outbreaks have occurred in all regions due to gaps in immunization coverage. An estimated 110,000 deaths from measles are expected in 2017.
"Since 2016, the incidence of measles has increased worldwide and in five of the six regions of WHO," the report says, although this is partly due to the fact that more countries have reported the virus.
The Western Pacific region, which includes countries such as Australia and Japan, was the only region to record a decrease in the number of cases between 2016 and 2017. It is also the only region to achieve and maintain coverage 95% or more of the first dose of measles. vaccine since 2006.
Measles, a viral disease, can be prevented with two doses of a vaccine, and measles vaccination has averted about 21.1 million deaths between 2000 and 2017, according to the report.
According to the report, vaccination coverage has increased worldwide, from an estimated 72% to 85%, but is well below the 95% needed to prevent epidemics. The coverage of the first vaccine "has been stagnant for nearly a decade," the report says.
The estimated coverage of the second dose of measles vaccine has increased worldwide from 15% in 2000 to 67% in 2017, the report says.
In July, endemic measles was re-established in Venezuela, causing outbreaks in neighboring countries. the region was declared free from endemic measles in 2016.
In 2017, the European Region declared "the reestablishment of endemic measles virus transmission in the Russian Federation and Germany", even as it had verified the elimination in 37 other countries.
"The resurgence of measles in Europe has probably helped to restore endemic measles in some EUR countries," the report says.
Dr. Seth Berkley, CEO of Gavi, Vaccine Alliance, said in a statement: "The increase in the number of measles cases is deeply worrying, but not surprising.The system in Venezuela and pockets of fragility and low immunization coverage in Africa combine to bring about a global resurgence of measles after years of progress.
"Existing strategies need to change: we need to redouble efforts to increase routine immunization coverage and strengthen health systems, otherwise we will continue to look for an epidemic after the other."
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