Emergency jabs after 100 children die of suspected measles in a month in Bangladesh
Emergency Vaccination Drive in Bangladesh Amid Measles Surge
Bangladesh has launched a new vaccination initiative following a measles outbreak that has resulted in over 100 fatalities, primarily affecting children. This outbreak, which has spread rapidly, may represent the most deadly wave of the disease in the country in recent years. The campaign commenced on Sunday, responding to a surge in suspected cases reported since mid-March.
Outbreak and Cases
Health ministry records indicate more than 7,500 suspected measles cases since March 15, with over 900 confirmed. This marks a significant rise from 2025, when only 125 cases were documented throughout the year. The recent outbreak has highlighted shortcomings in the nation’s immunization efforts, sparking concerns about public health.
Gaps in Vaccination Program
While Bangladesh routinely vaccinates children as young as nine months, the current crisis has exposed lapses in coverage. Shahriar Sajjad, a Health Department official, noted that nearly a third of those infected were under nine months old. Rana Flowers, Unicef’s representative in Bangladesh, warned that the outbreak poses a serious threat to the youngest and most vulnerable children, emphasizing vaccines as a cornerstone of child survival.
“Vaccines are foundational to child survival… the current measles outbreak is putting thousands of children at serious risk.” – Rana Flowers, Unicef
Reasons for Delayed Campaigns
Bangladesh’s measles vaccination campaigns, held every four years, have been postponed. The last campaign was canceled in 2020 due to the pandemic, and subsequent delays were attributed to political instability. The 2024 protests that ousted long-serving leader Sheikh Hasina led to an interim government, with a new administration only emerging in February. Procurement challenges, as reported by the Daily Star, have exacerbated the situation, with some blaming the former government for the vaccine shortages.
Current Emergency Measures
The ongoing campaign targets 1.2 million children aged six months to five years across 30 upazilas. Priority will be given to those who missed routine immunizations, particularly in Dhaka and Cox’s Bazar, where refugee populations are concentrated. Alongside the vaccination effort, health officials are distributing infographics to help communities recognize and prevent the disease.
Global Context
Measles, a highly contagious airborne illness, can lead to severe complications and death. In 2024, the World Health Organization estimated 95,000 global measles-related deaths, most among children under five. Despite a 20-year decline in cases and fatalities, the WHO has warned of a resurgence as vaccination rates wane. The Lancet noted that 2024 and 2025 saw the highest number of outbreaks in over two decades, with rising cases in parts of Asia and Africa.
