Emergency jabs after 100 children die of suspected measles in a month in Bangladesh
Emergency Vaccination Push Amid Measles Surge in Bangladesh
Bangladesh is intensifying its efforts to combat a severe measles outbreak that has claimed over 100 lives, primarily children, within a single month. The country initiated an urgent immunization drive on Sunday, aiming to address vulnerabilities in its vaccination system. Health ministry records indicate more than 7,500 suspected cases since March 15th, with over 900 confirmed infections. This marks a dramatic rise compared to 2025, when just 125 cases were recorded throughout the year, as noted by local media.
Challenges in Immunization Coverage
Despite routine vaccinations for children as young as nine months, a significant portion of the recent cases involved infants under this age. This has raised alarms, as these young children are not yet eligible for standard immunization. Rana Flowers, Unicef’s representative in Bangladesh, highlighted the critical role of vaccines in child survival, stating that the current outbreak poses a serious threat to thousands of children, particularly the most vulnerable.
“Vaccines are foundational to child survival. The current measles outbreak is putting thousands of children, especially the youngest and most vulnerable, at serious risk.” – Rana Flowers, Unicef
The delay in special measles campaigns, which are typically held every four years, has worsened the situation. Since 2020, these campaigns have been postponed, first due to the pandemic and then because of political instability. Bangladesh experienced major protests in 2024 that ousted leader Sheikh Hasina, leading to an interim government. A planned April campaign was canceled, with officials citing procurement problems as a key reason. The Daily Star reported that the new vaccine system introduced by the interim administration contributed to shortages.
In response, Bangladesh is now collaborating with international organizations like Unicef and the World Health Organization to launch a targeted campaign. This effort will cover 30 sub-districts and focus on over 1.2 million children aged six months to five years. Priority will be given to those who missed routine vaccinations, with particular attention to Dhaka and Cox’s Bazar, where refugee populations face heightened risks.
Global Trends in Measles Outbreaks
Measles remains a major global health concern, with 95,000 deaths estimated in 2024—mostly affecting children under five. The World Health Organization emphasizes that achieving 95% vaccination rates is essential to halt transmission. Over the past two decades, global measles cases have dropped sharply, from 38 million in 2000 to 11 million in 2024. However, recent reports from The Lancet suggest that 2024 and 2025 saw the highest number of outbreaks in over 20 years, with surges in Asia and Africa.
Health authorities in Bangladesh are also distributing visual guides to educate communities on recognizing and preventing measles. The disease spreads through airborne particles and can lead to severe complications. With the emergency campaign underway, officials hope to close gaps in coverage and curb the spread before it escalates further.
