Measles is making a comeback. Will we end it for good? — Saia Ma’u Piukala

September 24 — Measles, once a disease of the past, is now making a comeback in the Western Pacific region. Decades of political commitment, investment, and public health efforts brought measles close to elimination. Vaccination prevented an estimated 154 million deaths from various diseases, with 94 million lives saved from measles alone.

However, recent years have seen resurgences in measles outbreaks due to challenges during the Covid-19 pandemic and misinformation. An immunity gap in one country can quickly become a regional risk. To achieve measles elimination by 2030, strong routine immunization, early outbreak detection and response, trusted health workers, and community engagement are essential.

Governments, donors, and partners must renew political commitment and sustained resources for immunization. Immunization is a life-saving investment, generating up to $54 in social and economic returns for every $1 spent. Despite progress, there are still over 1.6 million children in the Western Pacific who have never received even a first routine vaccine, leaving them at the highest risk.

Collaboration among countries is crucial, as no country can achieve or sustain measles elimination alone. The Region has demonstrated what collective action can achieve, and now has an opportunity to build on its success and become the first to eliminate measles regionwide.