Emergency Vaccination Campaign Launched in Bangladesh Following Measles Outbreak

A surge in suspected measles cases has prompted Bangladesh to initiate an emergency vaccination drive after more than 100 children lost their lives due to the outbreak, raising alarms about the healthcare system’s effectiveness.

The campaign, which commenced Sunday, arises amid over 7,500 suspected measles cases reported since March 15, as per health ministry data. Notably, more than 900 of these cases have been confirmed, contrasting sharply with 2025 statistics where only 125 measles cases were documented throughout the entire year.

Despite Bangladesh’s robust vaccination initiatives against the highly infectious disease, the recent outbreak underscores deficiencies in the immunization program. Vaccines are foundational to child survival, emphasized Rana Flowers, UNICEF’s representative in Bangladesh, describing the current situation as “putting thousands of children at serious risk.”

Why is there a Spike in Measles in Bangladesh?

Routine measles vaccines commence as early as nine months old. However, a concerning one-third of the recent infections were identified in infants under this age group. Shahriar Sajjad from the Health Department noted that these infections pose a severe risk, as these infants are not yet eligible for routine immunization.

The country has not executed any special measles vaccination campaigns since 2020 due to disruptions caused by the pandemic and subsequent political unrest. Sajjad noted procurement issues have also contributed to a concerning vaccine shortage.

What is Bangladesh Doing About It?

In collaboration with international organizations such as UNICEF and WHO, Bangladesh has initiated an emergency vaccination effort for both measles and rubella. This campaign aims to safeguard over 1.2 million children from six months to five years old, particularly focusing on those who missed routine immunizations.

What is Measles?

Measles is highly contagious and can lead to severe complications and mortality. Symptoms often include high fevers, sore eyes, and respiratory distress. The World Health Organization reported an estimated 95,000 measles-related fatalities globally in 2024, predominantly among children under five, pointing towards an urgent need for widespread vaccination to prevent outbreaks.

Are Measles Cases Rising Around the World?

Although there has been a significant reduction in global measles cases and deaths, recent years have observed a worrying resurgence, particularly in regions where vaccination rates have declined. The WHO reported notable outbreaks in various countries within Asia, Africa, and Europe as skepticism around vaccines rose following the pandemic. In February, a localized outbreak in London highlighted the continued necessity for vigilant vaccination strategies.