In an interview with Reuters, Gates said measles eradication had previously been considered among the potential goals of his foundation. However, increasing skepticism and reluctance toward vaccination in richer countries has made achieving that objective more difficult.
Gates described the situation as disappointing, noting that vaccines have dramatically reduced measles deaths since their introduction in the 1960s.
Before widespread measles vaccination, the disease killed an estimated 2 million children annually. Global measles deaths have since fallen substantially, but the disease continues to claim tens of thousands of lives each year.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 95,000 people died from measles in 2024, with most deaths occurring among unvaccinated or under-vaccinated children under five.
The WHO and UNICEF report that only 84% of children worldwide received their first measles vaccine dose in 2025, while 77% received a second dose. Both figures remain below the approximately 95% coverage level needed to prevent outbreaks.
Gates also expressed concern that vaccine skepticism in countries such as the United States could influence attitudes elsewhere. However, he said the Gates Foundation has not observed a comparable increase in vaccine hesitancy in the lower-income countries where it works.
He also urged governments to maintain or restore international development assistance, warning that health systems and vaccination programs in developing countries are already facing funding and operational challenges.
Measles is one of the world’s most contagious infectious diseases. It can cause serious complications and death, while vaccination remains the primary means of preventing infection and outbreaks