PAHO: Outbreaks in the Americas call for closing immunization gaps

Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) Director Dr. Jarbas Barbosa issued a call for urgent action to address gaps in vaccination coverage at a press conference ahead of Immunization Week in the Americas. This significant event is scheduled from April 26 to May 3, coinciding with outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases such as measles and yellow fever in various American countries. Localized measles outbreaks have been recorded in six countries across the Americas, with 2,313 cases reported in 2025, up from 215 in the same period in 2024. It is with great sadness that we must announce the death of three individuals, with another case currently under investigation. During Immunization Week 2025, countries in the region plan to administer approximately 66.5 million vaccine doses, including 2.7 million doses for measles. Despite the progress that has been made, further efforts are required to implement appropriate public health measures. Although MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccination coverage in the Americas increased in 2023 to 87%, 1.4 million children in the region have not received any doses of the MMR vaccine. In 2025, the region also recorded an increase in yellow fever cases, with four countries reporting 189 cases, including 74 deaths, compared to 61 cases and 30 deaths reported in 2024. The week’s regional launch will be held on Monday, April 28, in Panama. National launches and initiatives will also be held throughout the region.