Measles Resurgence: Rich Nations Lose Status, Can India Achieve 2026 Elimination Goal?

• Wealthy nations like the UK, US, Canada, Spain, and Austria have lost their measles elimination status due to circulating virus and declining vaccination rates.
• Measles, highly contagious and vaccine-preventable, is resurging globally, exposing weaknesses in public health systems and vaccine trust.
• The UK first eliminated measles in 2016, lost it in 2018, regained it in 2021, and lost it again in early 2026 due to a rise in cases and low MMR vaccine uptake.
• India, despite reporting 8,035 cases between April-October 2025, is aggressively pursuing a National Zero Measles-Rubella Elimination Campaign by 2026.
• India's campaign focuses on increasing routine vaccination, strengthening surveillance, and targeted outreach, with current first-dose coverage at 93.7%.

Why It Matters: As rich nations falter, India aims for measles elimination by 2026 through robust vaccination and public health efforts.