Measles cases have risen by more than 25% in conflict-affected countries, driven by weakened health systems, attacks on healthcare infrastructure, reduced international aid, and growing vaccine misinformation. According to analysis of WHO data by Save the Children, these fragile settings continue to experience disproportionate disease outbreaks as immunisation programmes struggle to function effectively amid instability.
In 2025, 18 conflict-affected countries reported over 74,340 measles cases, compared to around 57,800 in 2024. Although these countries account for a smaller share of the global child population, they represented about 30% of all reported measles cases, highlighting how conflict significantly increases outbreak risks. Health experts also warn that actual case numbers are likely higher due to underreporting caused by disrupted surveillance and damaged health systems.
Despite the availability of a vaccine that offers around 97% protection with two doses, immunisation progress has stalled or reversed in many regions due to funding cuts, misinformation, and service disruptions. Since its introduction, the measles vaccine has saved millions of lives globally, including nearly 20 million in Africa since 2000, yet gaps in coverage continue to drive preventable outbreaks.
In Sudan, three years of conflict have severely damaged the health system, disrupting vaccine supply chains and triggering repeated outbreaks. Reported cases increased sharply between 2024 and 2025, reaching 7,644, with additional cases already recorded in early 2026. In Nigeria, ongoing insecurity combined with vaccine shortages, misinformation, and long-standing mistrust has resulted in some of the world’s highest numbers of under-vaccinated children.
Human impact remains central to the crisis, with families often influenced by misinformation or limited access to healthcare. In Lagos, a mother initially refused routine immunisations for her children due to traditional beliefs, but later chose vaccination after engagement with community health workers, highlighting the role of local outreach in changing behaviour and saving lives.
Health experts and humanitarian organisations stress that measles outbreaks are especially dangerous in conflict settings where malnutrition, displacement, and collapsed health systems increase vulnerability. They are calling for urgent, sustained investment in immunisation programmes, stronger health system support, and coordinated global action to close vaccine gaps and protect children from preventable diseases.
