In Ukraine, the incidence of measles surged sixfold in 2024. Over the course of 11 months, 333 cases were recorded compared to 55 cases during the same period in 2023.
This information was shared by Igor Kuzin, the Deputy Minister of Health and Chief State Sanitary Doctor, in an interview with Ukrinform.
The situation with measles worldwide: how many cases were recorded in 2023In Ukraine, 65 cases of measles were reported over the year. The situation in other countries is illustrated in the infographic.According to him, there were 19 cases of measles imported from other countries last year, registered among travelers arriving from Romania, Germany, and the United Kingdom.
"As of November 2024, we have decent vaccination coverage against measles at 86%. However, in various age groups (for instance, six and seven years old), the figures are lower, around 75% to 60%. Therefore, we prefer to carry out catch-up vaccinations in certain regions using the MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, rubella) to minimize the risks of such outbreaks," Kuzin explained.
It is worth noting that in 2023, both in Ukraine and globally, there was a rise in measles cases. The largest outbreak of measles in 2023, according to the World Health Organization, was reported in India.
For more news on vaccination: the Ministry of Health proposes to amend the national vaccination schedule starting in 2026.
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