Health: nearly 20 million deaths prevented through measles vaccination since 2000

Nearly 19.5 million measles-related deaths have been averted in Africa since 2000 thanks to expanded immunization, according to a joint analysis by the Organisation mondiale de la Santé and Gavi, l’Alliance du Vaccin released on April 15, 2026. Over 500 million children were protected between 2000 and 2024, while second-dose coverage rose from 5% to 55%. Despite a 50% drop in deaths, the continent remains off track to reach the 90% coverage target by 2030.