UK no-longer measles free, UNICEF UK responds

World Health Organization confirms the UK has lost measles‑free status, after 3,681 confirmed infections in England in 2024, nationwide outbreaks and the tragic death of a child in 2025. UNICEF UK responds: 

Joanna Rea, Director Advocacy of The UK Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF UK) said:    

London, 27 January 2026 – “This announcement is a grave warning about the state of children’s health in the UK. When vaccination rates fall, children are left painfully exposed to risks of serious illness, life-long complications, and even death.”

“This isn’t just a health issue – it’s an issue of fairness. Children in poverty face the biggest barriers to vaccination, and these latest figures show the cost of that inequality. UNICEF UK urges the government to invest in early childhood health services and continue to tackle child poverty so every child, wherever they live, is protected from easily preventable illness.” 

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For more information, please contact:  

UNICEF UK Media team at [email protected] or 0208 375 6030.

About UNICEF

UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. Across more than 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, to build a better world for everyone.

The UK Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF UK) raises funds for UNICEF’s emergency and development work for children. We also promote and protect children’s rights in the UK and internationally. We are a UK charity, entirely funded by supporters.

United Kingdom Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF UK), Registered Charity No. 1072612 (England & Wales), SC043677 (Scotland).

For more information visit unicef.org.uk.

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