BBC health reporter and doctor, Smitha Mundasad, discusses the global resurgence of measles, the importance of vaccines, debunking the MMR vaccine-autism link, challenges in accessing vaccines for children, and strategies to overcome vaccination barriers in communities.
Measles resurgence stems from declining vaccination rates globally, posing significant health risks.
Addressing measles outbreaks necessitates vaccine accessibility improvements and combatting misinformation through collaboration and innovation.
Deep dives
The Resurgence of Measles Worldwide
Measles cases have nearly doubled globally, with large outbreaks in multiple countries. The disease, once thought near eradication due to an effective vaccine, is making a comeback. Serious complications such as deafness, pneumonia, and brain swelling can arise from measles infections, with potential fatalities. Despite vaccine success, rising cases challenge global health systems.
Causes of Measles Resurgence
The decline in vaccination rates worldwide is a primary factor in the resurgence of measles outbreaks. Global reports indicate a decrease in childhood immunization rates, hindering herd immunity. COVID-19 pandemic disruptions, vaccine hesitancy due to misinformation, and logistical challenges contribute to inadequate vaccine coverage. Efforts to improve vaccine accessibility and combat misinformation are crucial.
Tackling Measles and Promoting Vaccination
Efforts to address measles outbreaks involve innovative solutions like a patch delivering the vaccine without the need for specialized storage. Vaccine equity is emphasized as vital for global health security against infectious diseases. Collaboration with social media platforms and healthcare professionals aims to disseminate accurate information and encourage vaccination. The importance of maintaining high vaccination rates to prevent not only measles but also potential resurgence of other diseases is highlighted.
Measles is one of the most contagious diseases known to humanity – and one of the most preventable. But the number of cases around the world nearly doubled last year, and the US, UK and others have seen measles outbreaks in 2024. Katya Adler asks BBC health reporter and doctor Smitha Mundasad about the dangers of measles, why vaccination rates have fallen, and what these outbreaks say about our vulnerability to other illnesses.
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This episode was made by Alice Aylett Roberts and Peter Goffin. The technical producer was Hannah Montgomery. The assistant editor is Sergi Forcada Freixas and the senior news editor is Sam Bonham.
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