Measles Returns: Can It Be Eradicated?

Not long ago, measles was nearly wiped out in the Western Pacific. This wasn't just luck; it was the result of decades of hard work.

Healthcare workers trekked through mountains, crossed rivers, and navigated cities to reach remote islands with vaccines. Monitoring systems kept a close watch to catch any signs of trouble. Countries worked together to fill gaps in vaccine coverage.

Globally, since 1974, vaccines have saved about 154 million lives. The measles vaccine alone has saved 94 million, with 12 million of those in the Western Pacific.

But in recent years, the pandemic disrupted vaccinations, and anti-vaccine misinformation spread, causing measles to make a comeback. This is a disease we know how to prevent.

Outbreaks happen for reasons: unvaccinated kids, slow responses, weakened trust, or areas missed by routine vaccinations. With so many people in the Western Pacific, one country's problem can make the whole region nervous.

Experts believe it's possible to eliminate measles by 2030. Last year, the WHO announced that 21 Pacific Island countries had already eliminated measles and rubella.

The key is strong routine immunization, quick responses to outbreaks, reliable healthcare workers, and ongoing community collaboration.

What's needed now is political commitment, science-based health policies, and sustained resource investment.

Governments and donors must keep treating immunization as a public health priority, not just react when outbreaks occur.

Lack of funding can affect vaccine supply, and misinformation causes hesitation. Disasters, conflicts, and rising energy costs also threaten the vaccine supply chain.

Government resources are limited, but immunization is an investment in saving lives, not just an expense.

Immunization not only prevents disease but also strengthens health systems, protects economies, and supports healthier societies. Every dollar spent brings a $54 return in social and economic benefits.

However, not everyone enjoys these benefits. By 2025, over 1.6 million children in the Western Pacific will still miss their first routine vaccine, putting them at high risk.

Immunization is becoming more important throughout life, not just in childhood. As populations age, health needs change.

Recently, nine countries in the Western Pacific that haven't yet eliminated measles met with WHO and experts to strategize on achieving this by 2030.

Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Mongolia, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, and Vietnam all agree that eliminating measles is possible, but no country can do it alone.

We can't rely solely on emergency responses during outbreaks. Routine immunization and monitoring systems must be in place every year, reaching every child and community.

In 2024 and 2025, nearly 20 million newborns in the region will need routine vaccine protection each year. We can't let our guard down.

The Western Pacific has already shown the power of collective action. For 25 years, the region has remained polio-free.

Now there's a chance to achieve another public health milestone: eliminating measles under WHO's Immunization Agenda 2030.

But we need to act now. Governments must view immunization as a long-term investment, not a short-term project.

Achieving the goal of eliminating measles in the region by 2030 is challenging. But the Western Pacific's public health progress has always been driven by ambition.

Measles spreads fast, so we need to act even faster.