Skip to main content
Largest measles outbreak: MSF intervenes in Kongo Central
War in Gaza:: find out how we're responding
Learn more
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

 
MSF NFI kit distribution in Tawilla
Sudan

Major humanitarian needs as thousands flee fighting in Jebel Marra, North Darfur

Press Release 16 Feb 2016
 
Batangafo IDP camp fire
Central African Republic

Fire destroys hundreds of shelters in displacement camp in Batangafo

Project Update 12 Feb 2016
 
Syria

So close to front lines, these people – families with children and elderly people – might be in danger

Voices from the Field 10 Feb 2016
 
Grande-Synthe refugee camp Dunkirk - Jan 2016
France

Measles vaccination campaign launched in Calais and Grande-Synthe camps

Press Release 29 Jan 2016
 
Seeking malaria treatment around Aweil, South Sudan
Disease prevention

Five epidemics to watch

Press Release 25 Jan 2016
 
Central African Republic

MSF launches vaccination campaign of unprecedented scale

Press Release 13 Jan 2016
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