East Asian and Pacific children at risk from surge in preventable diseases

In early 2025, Cambodia, Mongolia, the Philippines, and Vietnam reported a re-emergence of measles, particularly affecting pediatric populations. Specifically, Vietnam documented 81,691 suspected cases across 63 provinces and cities, while Mongolia confirmed 2,682 cases. During the same period, Cambodia reported 2,150 cases. Data from the World Health Organization (WHO) indicated that the Philippines documented 2,068 cases between January 1 and May 10, 2025. Concurrently, the confirmation of a poliovirus outbreak in Papua New Guinea prompted the activation of a national public health emergency response. According to Dr. Saia Ma’u Piukala, WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific, the resurgence of preventable diseases in East Asia and the Pacific is primarily attributable to insufficient childhood immunization coverage, especially within underserved rural communities. The GAVI Alliance, UNICEF, and the WHO are worried about falling vaccination rates and waning confidence, with cases of measles reaching their highest point since 2020.