Emergency jabs after 100 children die of suspected measles in a month in Bangladesh
Emergency Vaccination Drive Amid Measles Surge in Bangladesh
Bangladesh has launched an urgent vaccination initiative following a rapid measles outbreak that has claimed over 100 lives, predominantly among children, marking what could be the deadliest wave of the disease in recent memory. The campaign, which began on Sunday, follows a spike in suspected cases exceeding 7,500 since March 15, as reported by the health ministry. Over 900 of these cases have been confirmed, a significant jump from the 125 recorded nationwide in 2025, according to local media.
Despite long-standing efforts to vaccinate children against measles, the recent surge highlights vulnerabilities in the national immunization program. Rana Flowers, Unicef’s representative in Bangladesh, stated in a Sunday statement that “vaccines are essential to child survival,” warning that the outbreak is “posing serious risks to thousands of children, particularly the youngest and most vulnerable.” Routine measles vaccines are typically administered to infants as young as nine months, but health officials noted that nearly one-third of those infected were under that age, a concerning trend.
“Infections among young infants not yet eligible for routine shots are especially alarming,” Flowers added.
The delays in special vaccination campaigns, once held every four years, have been attributed to disruptions caused by the pandemic and a “political situation.” Shahriar Sajjad, deputy director of the Health Department, explained to BBC Bangla that campaigns had not occurred since 2020, with the last one stalled due to procurement challenges. The former interim government, which governed after the 2024 ousting of Sheikh Hasina, faced criticism for a new vaccine acquisition system that contributed to shortages.
Bangladesh’s recent political upheaval, which saw anti-government protests lead to the downfall of Hasina’s administration in 2024, has compounded the issue. An emergency campaign was planned for April but failed to materialize. Now, with support from Unicef and the World Health Organization, the country is targeting 1.2 million children aged six months to five years across 30 upazilas, prioritizing those who missed routine immunizations.
The campaign will emphasize areas like Dhaka, the capital, and Cox’s Bazar, where Rohingya refugee camps create crowded conditions conducive to disease spread. Health authorities are also distributing infographics to educate the public on measles recognition and prevention. The WHO highlights that measles is a highly contagious airborne illness capable of causing severe complications or death, particularly in young children.
Global Measles Trends
According to the World Health Organization, 95,000 measles-related deaths were recorded globally in 2024, with most victims under five. While measles cases and fatalities have declined sharply over the past two decades—from 38 million in 2000 to 11 million in 2024—the organization warns of a resurgence as vaccination rates drop. The Lancet notes that 2024 and 2025 saw the highest number of outbreaks in over 20 years, with cases rising in several African and Asian nations.
Measles prevention relies on high vaccination coverage, requiring 95% of the population to be immunized to halt transmission. The current crisis underscores how even minor disruptions in immunization programs can lead to cumulative immunity gaps, increasing the risk of outbreaks. The emergency campaign aims to address these gaps and restore protection for at-risk communities.
