Due to rising measles cases, PAHO has called Americas countries to intensify immunization efforts. The Americas Vaccination Week runs from April 25 to May 2. Over 15,300 cases were recorded by April 5, 2026.
PAHO noted that insufficient vaccination coverage allowed the disease's rapid increase. In 2025, 14,767 cases were confirmed in 13 countries, nearly 32 times more than in 2024. The region lost its measles-free endemic transmission status in November 2025.
PAHO Director Jarbas Barbosa stated the main challenge is reaching unprotected people in time. He pointed to disinformation, low risk perception, and access barriers as reasons for coverage drops. The goal is to vaccinate at least 95% of the population with two doses.
Brazil retains its measles-free recertification from 2024, after losing it in 2018. By April 6, 2026, the country had two imported cases in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. Renato Kfouri, head of the Ministry of Health's Technical Chamber for Measles Elimination, warned: "It is essential to do our homework by keeping people vaccinated so imported cases do not turn into sustainable transmission."
Kfouri, also SBIm vice-president, stressed vigilance for events like the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Brazil's vaccination coverage stands at 91.12% for the first triple viral dose and 77.46% for the second, per the Ministry of Health.
