Bangladesh measles outbreak claims over 1,000 lives despite massive vaccine drive
More than 1,000 people have died in Bangladesh’s measles outbreak since mid-March, even though an emergency campaign has delivered nearly 20 million vaccine doses.
Since mid-March, Bangladesh has recorded more than 1,000 measles deaths, with 100. An emergency campaign launched in April aimed to vaccinate 18 million children aged six months to under five years, but officials report that nearly 20 million doses have been given, indicating a mismatch between target estimates and actual needs. Experts point to declining routine measles-rubella coverage, misinformation, and gaps in outreach to mobile or remote populations as key factors behind the surge.
The political turmoil following the July 2024 uprising disrupted vaccine procurement and led to shortages in 2024-2025, allowing the virus to spread widely. Hospital data show that most fatal cases involved children who had not yet received their first measles-rubella dose. The Directorate General of Health Services is preparing a further vaccination round to address the remaining susceptible groups.
Why it matters
The high death toll highlights critical gaps in Bangladesh's immunisation system, risking further spread of a highly contagious disease.
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