Bangladesh Faces Deadly Measles Outbreak, Emergency Vaccinations Underway

Bangladesh is facing a severe measles outbreak that has claimed more than 100 lives, mostly children, since March 15, prompting authorities to launch an emergency vaccination campaign. Health officials describe the surge as one of the deadliest in recent memory, highlighting critical gaps in routine immunisation and delayed vaccination drives.

According to the Ministry of Health, over 7,500 suspected cases have been reported in just a few weeks, with more than 900 confirmed, far exceeding the 125 cases recorded throughout 2025. Experts attribute the rapid spread to disruptions in immunisation efforts, leaving many children unprotected against the highly contagious airborne disease.

“Vaccines are foundational to child survival,” said Rana Flowers, warning that the outbreak is “putting thousands of children, especially the youngest and most vulnerable, at serious risk.” Nearly one-third of those infected are infants under nine months old, below the age for routine vaccination, making the situation particularly alarming, according to Shahriar Sajjad.

Also Read: India Delivers Emergency Medical Supplies to Afghanistan Following Kabul Hospital Strike

Bangladesh typically conducts nationwide measles vaccination drives every four years, but none have occurred since 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent logistical and political challenges. A planned campaign in April was also cancelled amid procurement delays and vaccine shortages, as reported by local media.

In response, the government, in coordination with UNICEF and the World Health Organization (WHO), has launched an emergency campaign targeting 1.2 million children aged six months to five years across 30 sub-districts. The drive prioritises those who missed routine immunisations, with special focus on densely populated areas such as Dhaka and refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar.

Health experts warn that measles can cause severe complications and death, particularly among young children. WHO guidelines recommend at least 95% vaccination coverage to prevent outbreaks. Globally, measles cases have declined over the past two decades, but recent data shows a resurgence, with 2024 and 2025 experiencing the highest number of outbreaks in over 20 years, underscoring the risks posed by even brief disruptions in immunisation programmes.

Also Read: Indian Diplomat Holds Talks With Bangladesh PM Tarique Rahman on Bilateral Cooperation