Bangladesh Launches Emergency Vaccination Amid Measles Outbreak

Mon Apr 06 2026 21:21:20 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

An emergency vaccination initiative is underway in Bangladesh following a measles outbreak that has resulted in over 100 child fatalities in just one month. Health authorities report more than 7,500 suspected cases since mid-March, prompting urgent action.

A devastating measles outbreak in Bangladesh has prompted health officials to launch an emergency vaccination campaign after more than 100 children died in a month. The campaign, targeting over 1.2 million children, comes as health authorities report over 7,500 suspected cases, revealing significant gaps in the country's vaccination program. UNICEF warns that this situation places vulnerable children at risk due to previous routine vaccinations being disrupted.

Bangladesh Launches Emergency Vaccination Amid Measles Outbreak

Bangladesh has launched an emergency vaccination campaign after a fast-spreading measles outbreak is suspected of killing more than 100 people, mostly children, in what may be the country's most lethal wave of the disease in recent history.

The campaign, which began on Sunday, comes amid more than 7,500 suspected measles cases since 15 March, according to health ministry data. More than 900 of these cases have been confirmed - a sharp increase from 2025, when just 125 cases were recorded over the entire year.

While Bangladesh has long vaccinated children against the highly contagious disease, the recent outbreak has exposed serious gaps in its vaccination program. Vaccines are foundational to child survival, Rana Flowers, the Unicef representative in Bangladesh, stated, emphasizing the alarming risk to thousands of vulnerable children.

Why is there a spike in measles in Bangladesh?

Routine measles vaccines are given to children as young as nine months. However, reports indicate that about one-third of those infected in the recent outbreak were under nine months old, highlighting the danger posed to infants who are not yet eligible for vaccination.

The lack of effective vaccination campaigns since 2020, attributed to both the COVID-19 pandemic and a political crisis, has further compounded the issue. There have been no special vaccination campaigns during this period, with procurement issues causing a shortage of vaccines.

What is Bangladesh doing about it?

In response, Bangladesh has collaborated with international partners like Unicef and the World Health Organization (WHO) to rollout an emergency vaccination campaign targeting over 1.2 million children between six months and five years old, particularly in high-risk areas like Dhaka and Cox's Bazar.

Public health initiatives are also underway to educate the community on infection prevention and recognition of symptoms.

What is measles?

Measles is a highly contagious airborne disease often leading to severe complications or death, especially among young children. Symptoms can include high fever, red and watery eyes, and severe cough.

Are measles cases rising around the world?

Despite a decline in global measles cases over the past two decades, the WHO warns of a resurgence in various regions due to falling vaccination rates. In 2024, the world faced the highest rate of measles outbreaks in more than 20 years, signaling a critical public health concern.