Bangladesh Faces Deadly Measles Crisis As Vaccine Coverage Collapses

A deadly measles outbreak in Bangladesh has exposed major gaps in vaccination coverage, with at least 143 deaths reported since March 15 and more than 12,000 suspected cases, according to health officials and aid agencies. The outbreak, described as the worst in the country in two decades, has disproportionately affected children, overwhelming hospitals and emergency care facilities across the country.

In the capital Dhaka, hospitals such as the DNCC Hospital in Mohakhali—originally set up for COVID-19 treatment—are now filled with measles patients. Mothers and caregivers report severe symptoms among children, including high fever, rashes, and breathing difficulties, with medical wards echoing with coughing and distress. Doctors and nurses are relying on emergency respiratory support to manage complications in critically ill children.

Measles, one of the most contagious infectious diseases identified by the World Health Organization, spreads through respiratory droplets and can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia and brain swelling. Health experts warn that children are especially vulnerable, particularly in areas with low immunisation coverage or disrupted healthcare access.

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Health authorities in Bangladesh say the outbreak has been worsened by missed or delayed vaccination campaigns. An immunisation drive scheduled for 2024 was postponed following political unrest that led to the collapse of the previous government. Officials now report that only 59% of children were vaccinated last year, far below the 95% coverage needed to establish herd immunity.

In response to the crisis, the government and international partners launched an emergency measles-rubella vaccination campaign on April 5, aiming to reach more than 1.2 million children. Aid organisations, including Save the Children, have warned that overcrowded urban areas like Dhaka and refugee settlements in Cox’s Bazar remain at high risk if vaccination efforts are not rapidly expanded and sustained.

Public health officials have urged families to ensure full immunisation, noting that a significant number of infected children had received either partial vaccination or none at all. Experts say the current outbreak underscores the importance of consistent vaccine coverage and strong healthcare systems to prevent recurring epidemics in densely populated regions.

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