Global eradication of measles is no longer a realistic goal for the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation due to growing vaccine hesitancy in wealthier countries, Microsoft co-founder and philanthropist Bill Gates has said. He warned that declining vaccination rates are allowing the highly contagious disease to return in countries where it had previously been brought under control.
Measles cases return in wealthy nations
Measles remains one of the world’s most contagious diseases and can cause high fever, cough and a characteristic rash. Although vaccination dramatically reduced deaths, the disease continues to claim around 100,000 children’s lives each year, particularly in countries facing conflict, malnutrition and weak healthcare systems.
The World Health Organization says vaccination coverage needs to remain above 95% to prevent outbreaks.
Vaccine hesitancy raises concern
Gates said his foundation had previously considered measles eradication among its global health goals. However, growing vaccine skepticism in richer countries has changed that priority.
He expressed concern that vaccine doubts in the United States and other wealthy nations could eventually influence attitudes in lower-income countries, although he said the foundation has not seen a similar rise in vaccine hesitancy in the countries where it works.
Aid cuts remain another health concern
Gates also highlighted the impact of reductions in international health aid. While he said the cuts have likely resulted in deaths, the restoration of some funding and efforts by affected countries and health organisations have helped prevent the worst-case scenarios.
He urged governments to restore health assistance or avoid further reductions, warning that the global health situation remains “very tragic.”
