Progress Toward Regional Measles Elimination — Worldwide, 2000–2021

Progress toward measles elimination experienced setbacks in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. During 2000–2021, measles vaccination prevented an estimated 56 million deaths worldwide. In 2021, only 81% of children received their first dose of measles-containing vaccine (MCV), the lowest coverage reported since 2008, leaving 25 million children vulnerable to measles. Measles surveillance continues to be suboptimal, and large and disruptive outbreaks were reported in 22 countries. Reaching all children with 2 doses of MCV and strengthening measles surveillance are critical to closing immunity gaps, preventing outbreaks, and recovering progress lost during the pandemic.

This report describes both setbacks and progress made toward measles elimination during 2000–2021.