Bangladesh has launched an emergency measles vaccination campaign targeting more than a million children aged six months to five years after a suspected outbreak killed at least 98 people, mostly children, in recent weeks. Health ministry data shows there have been over 7,500 suspected infections nationwide, according to reports from BBC News and UPI.
Key Takeaways
Bangladesh has launched an emergency measles vaccination campaign targeting over one million children aged six months to five years following a suspected outbreak that killed at least 98 people, mostly children. The initiative began in high-risk areas and will expand nationwide by May 3.
- Emergency vaccination campaign targets more than one million children
- At least 98 confirmed deaths from measles since March 15
- Over 7,500 suspected infections reported nationwide
- Political disruptions delayed planned vaccination efforts
- Campaign focuses on high-risk areas including Dhaka and Cox's Bazar
The campaign began on Sunday in 30 high-risk sub-districts across the country. The initiative prioritizes children who missed routine immunizations and are most vulnerable to severe illness and complications. According to Reuters, hospitals in several high-burden regions are already overcrowded and operating with limited capacity.
Health officials attribute the outbreak to gaps in vaccination programs caused by political disruptions and vaccine shortages. A planned measles vaccination campaign was delayed due to political upheaval in 2024 that toppled Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, as reported by Al Jazeera. The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned about a resurgence of measles globally as vaccination rates fall.
Measles is highly contagious and can lead to severe complications and death. Common symptoms include high fever, runny nose, cough, red eyes, and a distinctive rash. According to the WHO, an estimated 95,000 people were killed by measles worldwide in 2024, most of them children under five years old.
Along with international partners like UNICEF and the World Health Organization (WHO), Bangladesh has launched this emergency vaccination campaign for measles and rubella. The campaign will prioritize areas with high infection rates, including Dhaka, the densely populated capital, and Cox's Bazar, home to crowded Rohingya refugee camps.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman lowered the vaccination age from 9 months to 6 months to include more vulnerable children. The campaign is led by the health directorate with support from UNICEF, WHO, and Gavi. It will focus on 18 specific high-risk districts initially before expanding nationwide on May 3.
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