Gates Says Vaccine Hesitancy Derails Measles Eradication

Bill Gates said his foundation has abandoned global measles eradication as a near-term goal because declining vaccination rates and growing hesitancy in wealthy countries have made elimination unattainable. He called the development tragic and warned that outbreaks are returning in parts of the United States and Europe where measles had largely disappeared. Measles deaths have fallen sharply since vaccines were introduced, but roughly 100,000 children still die each year, mainly in poorer countries affected by conflict, malnutrition and limited health care. Gates said vaccination skepticism has not yet significantly spread to the lower-income countries where his foundation operates, though coverage above 95% is needed to prevent outbreaks. He also warned that cuts to international aid by the United States under current President Donald Trump and other wealthy governments have harmed global health efforts.