Epidemiological trends and clinical characteristics of measles in Iraq (2023–2024): a retrospective cross-sectional study

The resurgence of measles in Iraq from January 2023 to August 2024 highlights significant public health challenges driven by socio-economic instability. The increase in cases, particularly among under-immunized populations and infants, necessitates urgent action. Strengthening vaccination programs, enhancing public awareness, and improving healthcare access are essential. Additionally, better surveillance and record-keeping are crucial for effective outbreak management. Tailored public health strategies are needed to address geographic disparities in incidence, and further research on vaccine hesitancy is critical for developing robust catch-up vaccination campaigns.