Measles Cases Rise 20% Globally as Vaccination Rates Have Dropped

The number of cases of measles globally increased 20% worldwide from 2022 to 2023 to over 10 million with over 100,000 deaths, while the number of countries with cases rose from 36 to 57, with an increase in every region of the world, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Vaccine use declined from 86% in 2019 to 83% last year, with represents a slight recovery from pandemic-era lows. Around three million lives per year were saved in the prior two decades of increased global immunization rates that had drastically reduced the number of cases and deaths globally. The pandemic and certain security challenges in some countries are factors, as is vaccine hesitancy because of baseless fears about vaccine safety. I had posted earlier this month about the rise of pertussis in America because of the rise of vaccine hesitancy in America. Vaccine hesitancy has increased in America, as it has in Europe, because of debunked conspiracy theories on the far left and far right about vaccine safety and effectiveness that are contrary to abundant scientific studies, libertarian opposition to vaccine mandates, and Russian disinformation about vaccines to weaken America and Europe, where there have also been outbreaks of contagious and deadly diseases that are preventable with safe and effective vaccines. Donald Trump, whose campaign was again helped by Russian interference, has announced his intention to nominate a leftwing, pro-abortion anti-vax Democrat, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., who believes in various conspiracy theories, as Secretary of Health and Human Services. American conservatives should defend public health and support moral responsibility by asking their Senators to oppose this nomination.