WHO-linked update: India flagged among countries with measles outbreaks as elimination push continues
A report referencing provisional data shared with the World Health Organization places India among the countries reporting significant measles outbreaks in 2025, even as India’s measles-rubella elimination campaign targets higher coverage and stronger surveillance through 2026.
What the outbreak data indicates
India has been flagged among countries reporting notable measles outbreaks in 2025, according to a news report citing provisional data reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) for the April–October 2025 period. The report said India was placed among the top ten countries reporting outbreaks during that window, reflecting ongoing gaps in immunity and surveillance challenges that can allow flare-ups.
Measles is among the most contagious viral diseases, and public-health experts routinely warn that outbreaks can occur quickly when vaccination coverage slips in pockets—particularly in densely populated areas, informal settlements, and among migratory communities where access and follow-up can be inconsistent.
India’s elimination campaign and coverage targets
The report also noted that India has been running a National Zero Measles-Rubella Elimination Campaign for 2025–26, launched during World Immunisation Week (April 24–30). The stated objective is to push coverage high enough to eliminate measles and rubella by 2026, combining routine immunisation with stronger tracking and outbreak response.
As part of the Universal Immunisation Programme, two doses of the Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccine are provided at 9–12 months and 16–24 months. The report cited coverage figures that are high at the national level, while underscoring that elimination standards require consistently high coverage everywhere—not just in averages.
Why outbreaks can persist even with high national averages
Even when a country reports strong overall immunisation rates, outbreaks can persist if there are clusters of unvaccinated or under-vaccinated children. These gaps may arise from missed routine doses, weak follow-up, misinformation, or access barriers. Health officials often emphasise last-mile delivery, rapid detection through surveillance systems, and targeted campaigns in high-risk districts to close these pockets.