An independent regional expert body has called for urgent and targeted action to close immunity gaps and strengthen surveillance at sub-national level, as countries in the WHO South-East Asia Region report outbreaks and increase in measles cases.

"Recent measles outbreaks demonstrate that immunity gaps persist and can quickly lead to renewed transmission. While the Region has the tools and expertise needed to achieve elimination, success will require urgent action to reach missed populations, strengthen surveillance and respond rapidly to outbreaks," the WHO South-East Asia Regional Verification Commission (SEA RVC) for Measles and Rubella Elimination noted.

Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Thailand and Maldives have reported outbreaks and increase in measles cases, highlighting the continued risk posed by one of the highly contagious diseases and the need to sustain high equitable vaccination coverage in every community.

"The recent increase in measles cases across several countries in our Region is a reminder that elimination is a journey that requires constant vigilance. Measles exploits immunity gaps wherever they exist, placing unvaccinated children and vulnerable communities at risk. Sustaining high vaccination coverage and sensitive surveillance systems in every district remains essential to achieving and maintaining elimination," said Dr Catharina Boehme, Officer-in-Charge, WHO South-East Asia Region.

The Commission that met here from 22-23 June 2026, reviewed reports submitted by the National Verification Committees of Member States on the progress towards interruption of endemic measles and rubella transmission, surveillance quality, population immunity, outbreak preparedness and programme performance.

Emphasizing that population immunity gaps remain the principal obstacle to measles elimination, the Commission recommended that countries restore and sustain equitable high coverage above 95% with both doses of measles-containing vaccine in every district and all communities

Recognizing that national high averages can mask vulnerable populations, the Commission called for urgent efforts to rapidly identify and reach groups at highest risk of missing vaccination, including migrants, mobile and border populations, people living in remote and underserved urban areas, conflict-affected and displaced communities, and groups affected by vaccine hesitancy.

The Commission further stressed that high-quality measles-rubella surveillance remains critical for guiding immunization programmes and outbreak response. Surveillance systems must remain sufficiently sensitive at all levels to rapidly detect suspected cases, identify virus transmission chains and guide corrective action.

The Commission recommended strengthening outbreak preparedness and rapid response capacities through regular simulation exercises, stronger community engagement, and improved cross-border coordination among countries.

While acknowledging substantial progress being made through strengthened routine immunization, supplementary immunization activities, expanded laboratory networks and improved case-based surveillance, the Commission cautioned that the regional target of eliminating measles and rubella by the end of 2026 may not be achieved without accelerated and sustained action.

The Commission noted that the current global geopolitical environment and declining funding landscape have created challenges for measles and rubella elimination efforts. It called on governments, partners and the international community to sustain political commitment and mobilize the resources needed to protect hard-won gains and achieve elimination.

"At a time of growing health challenges and constrained resources, it is essential that countries sustain investment in immunization, surveillance and outbreak response. Reaching every missed child with life-saving vaccines remains one of the most effective investments in public health," Dr Boehme said.

The WHO South-East Asia Regional Verification Commission for Measles and Rubella Elimination is an independent body of experts that reviews evidence submitted by countries and verifies progress towards elimination. Its work supports transparent, evidence-based verification and helps guide countries in sustaining gains and addressing programme gaps.