Emergency jabs after 100 children die of suspected measles in a month in Bangladesh
Bangladesh Launches Urgent Vaccination Drive Amid Measles Surge
Bangladesh has initiated a critical vaccination campaign following reports of over 100 suspected measles-related deaths in a single month, primarily affecting children. The outbreak, which has spread rapidly, has highlighted vulnerabilities in the nation’s immunization efforts, prompting emergency action. The campaign, launched on Sunday, aims to address gaps in protection for a population of 170 million.
Outbreak Statistics and Historical Context
Health ministry records indicate more than 7,500 suspected cases since March 15, with over 900 confirmed. This represents a notable surge compared to 2025, when only 125 cases were documented across the entire year. Experts warn that such a rapid escalation could signal the country’s deadliest measles wave in recent times.
“Vaccines are foundational to child survival,” stated Rana Flowers, Unicef’s representative in Bangladesh. “The current measles outbreak is putting thousands of children, especially the youngest and most vulnerable, at serious risk.”
Programme Gaps and Political Challenges
Despite long-standing efforts to vaccinate children against measles, the recent surge reveals critical shortcomings. Routine shots are administered to infants as young as nine months, yet a third of those infected in the outbreak were under this age, according to Shahriar Sajjad, deputy director of the Health Department. This has raised alarms about unmet immunization targets.
Sajjad attributed the delay in special measles campaigns to disruptions caused by the pandemic and a “political situation.” Since 2020, these targeted initiatives have been postponed. The political upheaval in 2024, which saw the ousting of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the establishment of an interim government, further delayed plans. A campaign scheduled for April 2024 failed to materialize due to procurement issues, as reported by the Daily Star.
Global Measles Trends and Response
Bangladesh is collaborating with international partners like Unicef and the WHO to bolster its efforts. The emergency campaign will target over 1.2 million children aged six months to five years, focusing on those who missed routine vaccinations. Priority areas include Dhaka, the capital, and Cox’s Bazar, where Rohingya refugee camps face overcrowding.
Health officials are also distributing infographics to educate the public on measles prevention. The disease, which spreads through airborne transmission, can lead to severe complications. WHO data notes that 95,000 people died from measles globally in 2024, with most victims under five.
Measles Resurgence and Prevention Challenges
Though global measles cases and deaths have declined sharply over two decades, the WHO has sounded warnings about recent resurgences. In 2024 and 2025, the world witnessed the highest number of outbreaks in over 20 years, as highlighted by The Lancet. Measles remains a preventable threat, requiring 95% immunization coverage to halt transmission. Experts emphasize that small disruptions in vaccination programs can accumulate, leading to outbreaks like the one in Bangladesh.
