Bill Gates says rich-country vaccine scepticism has made global measles eradication impossible

Key Points:

• Bill Gates stated that global eradication of measles is no longer a goal due to vaccine hesitancy in wealthy countries, despite ongoing elimination efforts by WHO and African governments.
• Measles remains highly contagious, requiring at least 95% vaccination coverage to prevent outbreaks, but declining rates in the US and Europe have led to resurgence, with the US experiencing its worst outbreak in 35 years.
• In contrast, African countries face challenges in vaccine delivery rather than resistance, with issues like conflict, displacement, and weak health systems hindering consistent immunization.
• Cuts to foreign aid budgets by wealthy nations have negatively impacted vaccine programs in poorer countries, affecting vaccine availability, cold chain infrastructure, and outbreak surveillance.
• The global challenge is compounded by wealthy countries having vaccines but declining public confidence, while poorer countries have demand but lack resources and systems to vaccinate all children.