Emergency jabs after 100 children die of suspected measles in a month in Bangladesh

Bangladesh Launches Urgent Measles Vaccination Drive Amid Rising Cases and Deaths

Bangladesh has initiated a critical vaccination campaign following a surge in measles cases that has claimed over 100 lives, predominantly children, in a single month. This may mark the deadliest outbreak of the disease in the nation’s recent history, according to local reports. The campaign began on Sunday, addressing a growing concern over gaps in the country’s immunization efforts.

Health ministry data reveals more than 7,500 suspected cases since March 15th, with over 900 confirmed. This sharp increase contrasts sharply with 2025, when just 125 cases were recorded over the entire year. The recent outbreak has highlighted vulnerabilities in Bangladesh’s vaccination infrastructure, prompting officials to act swiftly.

“Vaccines are foundational to child survival,” stated Rana Flowers, Unicef’s representative in Bangladesh. “The current measles outbreak is putting thousands of children, especially the youngest and most vulnerable, at serious risk.”

Measles vaccines are typically administered to infants as early as nine months old. However, Shahriar Sajjad, deputy director of the Health Department, noted that nearly one-third of those infected in the outbreak were under this age. “Infections among young infants who are not yet eligible for routine vaccination are especially alarming,” Flowers added.

Bangladesh has historically conducted large-scale measles campaigns every four years. Yet, these efforts have stalled. Since 2020, no special campaigns have taken place, initially due to the pandemic and later because of political instability. The country’s 2024 political upheaval, which saw anti-government protests oust long-serving leader Sheikh Hasina, disrupted vaccine distribution. An interim government followed, and only in February did Bangladesh elect a new administration.

Plans for an April vaccination drive were abandoned, partly due to procurement challenges, as reported by the Daily Star. Critics have pointed to the former interim government for overseeing a new vaccine procurement system that led to shortages. “Measles resurgences are typically the result of accumulated gaps rather than a single factor,” Unicef emphasized in its statement.

International Support and Campaign Focus

With backing from Unicef and the World Health Organization (WHO), Bangladesh is now targeting over 1.2 million children aged six months to five years. The campaign will prioritize those who missed routine immunizations and are at higher risk of severe complications. Dhaka, the capital, and Cox’s Bazar, home to Rohingya refugee camps, are key areas of focus.

Health authorities are also distributing infographics to educate the public on recognizing and preventing measles. The disease, which spreads through airborne particles, can lead to life-threatening complications. Common symptoms include fever, cough, and rash, as noted by medical experts.

Global Trends in Measles Outbreaks

According to the WHO, 95,000 people died from measles in 2024, mostly children under five. Despite a global decline in cases over the past two decades—falling from 38 million in 2000 to 11 million in 2024—the organization warns of a resurgence as vaccination rates dip. The Lancet reported that 2024 and 2025 saw the highest number of measles outbreaks in over 20 years, particularly in parts of Asia and Africa.