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

Bangladesh Mobilizes Urgent Vaccination Drive Following 100 Suspected Measles Deaths in a Month

Bangladesh has initiated an urgent measles vaccination campaign after a rapidly spreading outbreak led to the suspected deaths of over 100 individuals, predominantly children, in a single month. This marks what could be the deadliest measles surge in the nation’s recent history. The campaign began on Sunday, responding to more than 7,500 suspected cases reported since March 15, according to the health ministry.

Of these cases, over 900 have been confirmed, a dramatic rise from the 125 measles cases recorded in 2025. While the country has consistently vaccinated children against the virus, the recent outbreak has highlighted vulnerabilities in its system. “Vaccines are foundational to child survival,” said Rana Flowers, Unicef’s representative in Bangladesh, in a statement. “The current measles outbreak is putting thousands of children, especially the youngest and most vulnerable, at serious risk.”

Measles vaccines are typically administered to children as early as nine months old in Bangladesh. However, local media reports indicate that approximately one-third of those infected in the outbreak were younger than that. Flowers emphasized that these young infants, not yet eligible for routine immunization, are particularly concerning. The nation’s vaccination schedule includes periodic campaigns every four years, but these have faced delays. Sajjad, deputy director of the Health Department, explained that no special measles campaigns occurred since 2020, initially due to the pandemic and later because of “political situation.”

Bangladesh’s political landscape shifted in 2024 when widespread anti-government protests forced the resignation of longtime leader Sheikh Hasina. An interim administration took control, and a new government was elected in February. Despite plans for an April vaccination drive, it was postponed, according to Sajjad. Procurement challenges, including shortages of vaccines, contributed to the delay, as noted by the Daily Star. While some blame the former interim government for the vaccine crisis, Unicef stated that measles resurgences often stem from cumulative gaps rather than isolated factors.

In partnership with international organizations like Unicef and the World Health Organization, Bangladesh is now targeting over 1.2 million children aged six months to five years in 30 upazilas. Priority will be given to those who missed routine vaccinations, as well as regions like Dhaka and Cox’s Bazar, which host densely populated communities and Rohingya refugee camps. Health authorities have also launched infographics to help citizens recognize and prevent measles.

Measles, a highly contagious airborne illness, can lead to severe complications and death. The WHO reports that an estimated 95,000 people died from measles globally in 2024, mostly children under five. To halt its spread, the organization emphasizes that 95% of the population must be vaccinated. Over the past two decades, measles cases and deaths have plummeted, with 11 million reported in 2024 compared to 38 million in 2000. Yet, recent data from The Lancet shows the world witnessed the highest number of measles outbreaks in over 20 years, particularly in parts of Asia and Africa.

“Vaccines are foundational to child survival,” said Rana Flowers, Unicef’s representative in Bangladesh.

“Measles resurgences are typically the result of these accumulated gaps rather than a single factor,” noted Unicef in its statement.