The World Health Organization is urging governments to step up vaccination efforts as measles cases continue to rise in multiple regions. Health officials say the increase reflects gaps in immunization coverage that leave communities vulnerable to outbreaks.

The agency called for quicker vaccine campaigns and stronger public health outreach to close those gaps. Measles is highly contagious, and outbreaks can spread rapidly when immunization rates fall below the level needed to protect communities.

WHO has warned for years that disruption to routine childhood vaccination, misinformation, and uneven access to health services have all made it harder to keep measles under control. The latest rise in cases has renewed pressure on governments to prioritize prevention before outbreaks grow larger.

Public health experts say improving vaccine uptake remains the most effective way to limit infections, reduce hospitalizations, and protect children and other at-risk groups. WHO is pressing countries to treat the climb in measles cases as a warning sign for broader immunization shortfalls.