Bangladesh is facing its worst measles outbreak in years, with more than 100 children dead amid a surge in unvaccinated infants. The government, in partnership with the United Nations, has begun an emergency measles-rubella vaccination drive for children across the country after more than 900 cases were confirmed since March.
Measles is a highly contagious airborne disease causing fever, respiratory symptoms and a characteristic rash, and can have severe or fatal complications, especially in young children. While global immunisation gains have been made, there has been a resurgence attributed to falling vaccine rates, with more than 11 million cases recorded worldwide in 2024.
In Bangladesh, the rise in cases beginning in March is the worst the country has experienced for years. The newly elected government blamed mismanagement by previous regimes for programme gaps in vulnerable areas and a shortage of vaccine stockpiles. Health Minister Sardar Mohammed Sakhawat Husain told parliament that political turmoil after the toppling of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in 2024 had disrupted vaccine procurement and routine campaigns.
The emergency drive focuses on children aged six months to five years in high-risk districts, then will expand nationwide. One-third of those affected are under nine months, the usual age for measles vaccination, highlighting a concerning gap. UNICEF representative Rana Flowers said: 'This resurgence highlights critical immunity gaps, particularly among zero-dose and under-vaccinated children, while infections among infants under nine months are especially alarming.'
Authorities advise parents to go to hospitals if measles or even a high temperature is suspected, rather than relying on local pharmacies. Since a massive immunisation campaign began in 1979, Bangladesh has raised coverage of fully immunised children from 2% to 81.6%, but experts warn of stark discrepancies in vaccine coverage in the country of 170 million people.
