WHO-linked report flags India among countries hit by rising measles cases; immunisation drive targets elimination by 2026
A report citing WHO provisional data says India was among the top countries reporting measles outbreaks in 2025, while India’s health ministry has pushed a Zero Measles-Rubella Elimination Campaign with emphasis on surveillance and last-mile coverage.
India flagged in outbreak tallies
A health report citing provisional data reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) indicates India was among the countries recording significant measles outbreak numbers during 2025, underscoring concerns about resurgence of vaccine-preventable disease in multiple regions.
The same report places India within the top group of countries reporting outbreaks during the period covered, pointing to thousands of reported cases and drawing attention to the need for sustained immunisation and faster outbreak response.
Elimination campaign and surveillance push
In response, India’s health ministry has been projecting an elimination target for measles and rubella by 2026 through a national campaign for 2025–26, alongside surveillance strengthening via the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) and an emphasis on acting quickly when clusters appear.
The report highlights that the campaign’s intent is to close last-mile gaps and improve coverage in hard-to-reach groups, including high-density urban pockets, migratory populations and areas prone to repeated outbreaks.
Why measles rebounds are serious
Measles is highly contagious and spreads rapidly when immunity levels slip in communities, making even small coverage gaps risky. Public health experts often stress that measles control depends on consistently high two-dose coverage and early detection of outbreaks.
The report reiterates that the standard public immunisation schedule includes two doses of the measles-rubella vaccine in early childhood, and it points to the importance of ensuring both doses reach children on time.
What health officials want families to do
Public health messaging around the elimination drive has typically focused on completing routine vaccinations, responding quickly to local advisories during outbreaks, and supporting community-level efforts such as school and neighbourhood outreach.
With the stated goal of eliminating measles and rubella by 2026, the report frames the coming months as a crucial period for tightening coverage, improving surveillance, and ensuring rapid containment where cases are detected.