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

 
Trauma Surgical Project in Jordan
Syria

From bad to worse

Op-Ed 7 Jan 2015
 
Vaccination in Masisi, Eastern DRC
Photo Story

Gallery: An ambitious vaccination campaign in war-torn Congo

8 Dec 2014
Photo Story
 
Bentiu South Sudan - Floods inside the UN Internally Displaced People's camp
South Sudan

Dire conditions and growing tensions in Bentiu, South Sudan

Voices from the Field 11 Sep 2014
 
Vaccination measles Kalonge (DRC)
Democratic Republic of Congo

MSF forced to suspend a measles vaccination campaign following a violent incident in the Kalonge area

Press Release 12 Aug 2014
 
Gulan Camp Khost Province Afghanistan 2014
Afghanistan

North Waziristan refugees in Afghanistan: MSF provides humanitarian aid in Gulan refugee camp

Press Release 31 Jul 2014
 
Democratic Republic of Congo

A team of MSF vaccinated 38,000 children against measles in Minova before continuing the campaign in Kalonge

Project Update 25 Jul 2014
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