Bangladesh is confronting its most severe measles outbreak in recent years, with the tragic death toll of children now surpassing 100. In response, the government, in collaboration with the United Nations, has initiated an urgent measles-rubella vaccination campaign across the nation. This emergency drive comes after more than 900 confirmed cases were reported since March, highlighting a critical public health crisis.
A Highly Contagious and Dangerous Disease
Measles is an extremely contagious airborne illness that presents with fever, respiratory issues, and a distinctive rash. It can lead to severe, sometimes fatal complications, particularly in young children. Despite significant global progress in mass immunisation, there has been a worrying resurgence of measles worldwide. In 2024, over 11 million cases were recorded globally, attributed largely to declining vaccination rates.
Global Context and Local Impact
This year, a fatal outbreak in the United Kingdom claimed two lives, while the United States has been grappling with its worst measles spread in three decades, registering over 2,000 cases in 2025. In Bangladesh, the surge that began in March represents the country's most serious outbreak for years. Although Bangladesh maintains a child immunisation programme for measles, the newly elected government has pointed to mismanagement by previous administrations as a key factor. This mismanagement allegedly led to programme gaps in vulnerable regions and shortages in vaccine stockpiles.
According to United Nations guidelines, achieving a 95% vaccination rate is essential to halt the spread of measles. The current emergency vaccination drive will initially focus on children aged six months to five years in high-risk districts, with plans to expand nationwide subsequently.
Alarming Trends and Programme Gaps
Disturbingly, one-third of those affected by the outbreak are infants below nine months old, the typical age for measles vaccine eligibility. This indicates a significant gap in the immunisation programme. Rana Flowers, the UNICEF representative in Bangladesh, emphasised the severity of the situation, stating, "This resurgence highlights critical immunity gaps, particularly among zero-dose and under-vaccinated children, while infections among infants under nine months, who are not yet eligible for routine vaccination, are especially alarming."
Political Disruptions and Health Consequences
Bangladesh's newly appointed Health Minister, Sardar Mohammed Sakhawat Husain, addressed parliament on Monday, linking the outbreak to recent political turmoil. Following the toppling of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in a 2024 uprising, the country experienced two years of instability, which disrupted vaccine procurement and hindered routine measles vaccination campaigns. The current government only assumed power after elections in February, compounding the challenges in addressing the health emergency.
Authorities are now advising parents to seek hospital care immediately if measles is suspected or if a child exhibits a high fever, rather than relying on local pharmacies for treatment.
Historical Progress and Ongoing Challenges
Since launching a massive immunisation campaign in 1979, Bangladesh has made remarkable strides, increasing the coverage of fully immunised children from a mere 2% to 81.6%. However, experts continue to warn about stark discrepancies in measles vaccine coverage across the country, which has a population of 170 million people.
In a detailed statement, UNICEF attributed the current measles surge to multiple factors. "Bangladesh has a strong history of high immunisation coverage, but even small disruptions can lead to the gradual accumulation of immunity gaps over time," the organisation noted. This underscores the fragile nature of public health systems and the need for sustained, robust vaccination efforts to prevent future outbreaks.
