Geneva, Apr 24 (V7N)- The United Nations and Gavi, the global vaccine alliance, have sounded the alarm over the growing resurgence of vaccine-preventable diseases such as measles, warning that misinformation and declining international support are putting decades of public health progress at risk.

In a joint statement released on Wednesday to mark the start of World Immunization Week (April 24–30), the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, and Gavi urged renewed global commitment to immunization efforts.

WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized that vaccines have saved 150 million lives in the last 50 years. However, he warned that these gains are now under threat due to cuts in global health funding and growing distrust in vaccines, fueled by misinformation.

“We’re seeing more people infected with preventable diseases, putting lives at risk and increasing the long-term costs of healthcare,” said Dr. Tedros.

The measles crisis was highlighted as particularly alarming. Cases have risen annually since 2021, with an estimated 10.3 million infections in 2023, representing a 20% increase from the previous year. This trend is expected to worsen in 2024 and 2025, the agencies warned.

In the last 12 months, 138 countries have reported measles outbreaks. 61 of them have experienced large-scale or highly disruptive surges—the highest number recorded since 2019.

The statement also noted a sharp rise in meningitis and yellow fever cases across Africa in 2024, further straining already vulnerable health systems.

Global health leaders are calling for urgent investment in immunization programs, stronger surveillance systems, and collective action to counter vaccine hesitancy and rebuild public trust.

The warning comes amid growing concern that pandemic disruptions, economic instability, and geopolitical conflicts are reversing vital immunization gains made over the past few decades.

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