Bangladesh is grappling with a fast-spreading outbreak of measles that has reportedly killed more than 100 people, mostly children, since 15 March, prompting authorities to launch an emergency vaccination campaign, BBC reported. The surge, described as one of the country's deadliest in recent memory, has raised concerns over gaps in routine immunisation.
BBC, citing health ministry data, said that over 7,500 suspected cases have been recorded in just a few weeks, with more than 900 confirmed, far exceeding the 125 cases reported throughout 2025. Despite a longstanding vaccination programme, experts say disruptions in immunisation efforts have left many children unprotected.
“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.”
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A key concern is the high number of infections among infants under nine months, below the age for routine vaccination. Shahriar Sajjad told BBC Bangla that nearly one-third of those infected fall into this category, making the situation particularly alarming.
Bangladesh traditionally conducts nationwide measles vaccination drives every four years, but none have taken place since 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent political challenges. A planned campaign in April was also cancelled, reportedly due to procurement delays and vaccine shortages, as highlighted by local media.
In response, the government, alongside UNICEF and the World Health Organization, has rolled out a nationwide emergency campaign targeting 1.2 million children aged six months to five years across 30 sub-districts. The drive will prioritise those who missed routine immunisation, with special focus on densely populated areas like Dhaka and refugee camps in Cox's Bazar.
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Measles, a highly contagious airborne disease, can cause severe complications and death, particularly among young children. The WHO estimates that 95% vaccination coverage is required to prevent outbreaks.
Globally, measles cases have declined significantly over the past two decades, but recent data indicates a resurgence. According to WHO and findings published in The Lancet, 2024 and 2025 have seen the highest number of outbreaks in over 20 years, underscoring the risks posed by even brief disruptions in immunisation programmes.
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