Bangladesh Launches Emergency Vaccination Amid Measles Surge Killing Over 100 Children

Bangladesh has initiated an emergency vaccination campaign following a catastrophic measles outbreak that has resulted in the deaths of over 100 individuals, predominantly children, marking an alarming period in the country’s health crisis.

The campaign commenced on Sunday and is a response to more than 7,500 suspected cases reported since March 15, according to the Ministry of Health. Over 900 of these cases have been confirmed, illustrating a stark increase from 2025 when only 125 measles cases were documented overall.

Despite long-standing vaccination efforts, this outbreak has revealed significant deficiencies in the immunization program. Rana Flowers, UNICEF’s representative in Bangladesh, emphasized that vaccines are crucial for child survival and remarked on the grave risks presented by the current outbreak.

Why is there a spike in measles in Bangladesh?

In a nation with a population of 170 million, routine measles vaccinations start at nine months old. Yet, a considerable proportion of the recent infections—nearly a third—are among infants under nine months. This troubling trend raises alarm as these children are not yet eligible for standard vaccination.

Bangladesh regularly conducts special vaccination campaigns every four years; however, delays stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent political instability have hindered these efforts. The absence of vaccination campaigns since 2020 along with procurement issues has been responsible for the current crisis.

What is Bangladesh doing about it?

In coordination with international organizations like UNICEF and the WHO, Bangladesh has launched an emergency vaccination campaign for measles and rubella, aiming to vaccinate over 1.2 million children between six months and five years old across 30 sub-districts. Priority will be given to those who missed their routine immunizations and live in vulnerable areas, including Dhaka and Cox's Bazar, where Rohingya refugees reside.

Health authorities are also promoting preventive education, with infographics designed to help identify and manage symptoms of measles.

What is measles?

Measles is an airborne disease that can lead to severe complications and fatalities. Symptoms include high fever, sore eyes, coughing, and sneezing. It is preventable through vaccination, which requires that at least 95% of a population be vaccinated to halt its spread.

Are measles cases rising around the world?

Around the globe, measles cases and deaths have significantly decreased over the past two decades. However, recent years have seen a resurgence in cases, indicating a worrying trend amid falling vaccination rates. The WHO has highlighted outbreaks occurring in Asia, Africa, and parts of Europe and North America, particularly where vaccine skepticism is emerging post-pandemic.