Dhaka, Bangladesh: Bangladesh has launched an emergency measles vaccination campaign after a suspected outbreak claimed the lives of more than 100 children, marking one of the country’s deadliest waves of the disease in recent history.
The outbreak, which began in mid-March, has resulted in over 7,500 suspected cases, with more than 900 confirmed. This is a sharp increase compared to 2025, when only 125 measles cases were recorded nationwide.
Health officials said gaps in routine vaccination, compounded by the absence of special measles campaigns since 2020 due to COVID-19 and political upheaval, contributed to the rapid spread. About one-third of those infected are under nine months old and not yet eligible for routine vaccination, raising particular concern.
The emergency campaign, conducted in partnership with UNICEF and the World Health Organization (WHO), will cover 30 upazilas and target over 1.2 million children aged six months to five years. Priority is given to children who missed previous vaccinations and those living in high-density areas such as Dhaka and the Rohingya refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar.
“Vaccines are foundational to child survival,” said Rana Flowers, UNICEF representative in Bangladesh. “Thousands of children, especially the youngest and most vulnerable, are at serious risk.”
Measles is a highly contagious airborne disease with symptoms including high fever, cough, sneezing, and red, watery eyes. Globally, measles killed an estimated 95,000 people in 2024, mostly children under five. Vaccination is highly effective, but WHO warns that 95% population coverage is needed to prevent outbreaks.
Authorities in Bangladesh are also running public awareness campaigns to educate families about measles prevention and identification.
The outbreak highlights the need for consistent immunization programs, even in countries with historically strong vaccine coverage.
