Emergency jabs after 100 children die of suspected measles in a month in Bangladesh
Emergency Vaccination Drive Following Measles Outbreak in Bangladesh
Bangladesh has initiated an urgent vaccination campaign following reports of a measles outbreak that has claimed over 100 lives, predominantly among children, marking what could be the deadliest surge of the disease in recent years. The campaign commenced on Sunday, addressing a spike in cases that has surpassed 7,500 since March 15, according to official health data. Over 900 infections have been confirmed, a significant jump from the mere 125 recorded in the entire year of 2025, as highlighted by local media.
While the country has consistently vaccinated children against measles, the recent surge has highlighted vulnerabilities in the program. Rana Flowers, Unicef’s representative in Bangladesh, emphasized in a statement that vaccines are critical for child survival, noting the current outbreak poses a severe threat to thousands of young children, especially the most vulnerable.
Political Disruptions and Vaccine Shortages
Children in Bangladesh typically receive routine measles vaccines at nine months old. However, data from the Health Department reveals that nearly a third of those affected in the outbreak were under this age, raising concerns. Shahriar Sajjad, the department’s deputy director, informed BBC Bangla that delays in special campaigns, suspended since 2020 due to the pandemic and political instability, contributed to the crisis. The country experienced major anti-government protests in 2024, leading to the ousting of long-standing leader Sheikh Hasina. An interim government followed, and a new administration was elected in February 2025.
According to the Daily Star, procurement problems caused a shortage of vaccines, including measles. Some attribute this to the former interim government, which implemented a new vaccine system. Unicef, however, noted that measles resurgences are often the result of cumulative gaps in immunization rather than a single cause. “Even minor disruptions can gradually erode immunity levels,” the organization stated.
Targeting High-Risk Areas
Bangladesh, in collaboration with international partners such as Unicef and the World Health Organization, has launched an emergency campaign targeting measles and rubella. This initiative will cover 30 upazilas and aim to immunize over 1.2 million children aged six months to five years. Priority will be given to children who missed routine shots and are at greater risk of complications, as outlined by Unicef. The campaign will focus particularly on Dhaka and Cox’s Bazar, where overcrowded refugee camps increase transmission risks.
Health officials are also distributing infographics to help identify and prevent measles. The disease, which spreads through airborne droplets, can lead to severe complications and fatalities. Symptoms include fever, cough, and rash, which are common in affected individuals. The WHO reported that an estimated 95,000 people died from measles globally in 2024, with most victims under five.
Global Trends and Warnings
Despite a decline in global measles cases and deaths over the past two decades, the WHO warned of a resurgence as vaccination rates drop. In 2024, there were 11 million cases worldwide—down from 38 million in 2000. However, the Lancet noted that 2024 and 2025 saw the highest number of outbreaks in over 20 years, particularly in parts of Asia and Africa.
