Vaccination Status and Incidences of Measles, Mumps, and Rubella - Worldwide, 2014-2023.

INTRODUCTION

Measles, mumps, and rubella remain significant global health threats despite being vaccine-preventable diseases. The World Health Organization aims to achieve regional elimination of measles and rubella by 2030, yet substantial disparities in vaccination coverage and disease incidence persist across regions. We analyzed global vaccination and disease data to provide evidence for optimizing immunization strategies.

METHODS

The study analyzed World Health Organization data on measles, mumps, and rubella from 2014-2023. Our analysis included vaccine types, recommended vaccination schedules, coverage rates, supplemental immunization activities, and disease incidence. We employed descriptive epidemiological methods for data synthesis and analysis.

RESULTS

All countries implemented ≥1 measles-containing vaccine dose, with 190 (97.9%) countries using a ≥2-dose schedule. Global 2nd dose of measles-containing vaccine coverage increased from 59% to 74% during the study period. High-income regions maintained >90% coverage, while the African Region reported the lowest coverage (70% for the 1st dose and 49% for the 2nd dose of measles-containing vaccine). Supplemental immunization activities helped address coverage gaps but required integration with routine immunization systems. Rubella vaccine was implemented in 90.2% of countries, while mumps vaccine adoption remained lower at 63.9%. The African Region experienced high incidence rates for both measles (551.8 per million) and rubella (21.9 per million). The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted vaccination coverage (3%-5% decline globally), with the African Region experiencing a post-pandemic U-shaped resurgence in cases. China's transition to the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine has reduced mumps incidence to below 100 cases per million by 2020.

CONCLUSIONS

While global control of measles, mumps, and rubella has progressed, inequities in vaccination coverage and pandemic-related disruptions threaten elimination goals. Strengthening routine immunization systems is critical. Achieving the World Health Organization's 2030 targets will require sustained investment in health systems and implementation of equity-focused innovations.