Technology and Science06 April, 20261 min read
Measles Outbreak Kills 113 Bangladeshi Children Amid Vaccination Gaps
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Measles outbreak has killed over 100 children in Bangladesh. Nationwide emergency vaccination campaign launched to immunize over 1 million children.
Deadly Resurgence
Bangladesh launched an emergency vaccination campaign after measles killed at least 113 people, mostly children. More than 7,600 suspected cases were reported since mid-March, with over 900 confirmed.
No campaigns were conducted since 2020 due to COVID-19 and political upheaval. Nearly one-third of infections were in infants under nine months, not yet eligible for routine vaccination.
Vaccination Program Gaps
Routine coverage dropped from 83.9% in 2019 to 81.6% in 2023, below the 95% target. Kushtia district reported multiple deaths with over 300 children hospitalized.
Vaccine shortages and disrupted campaigns contributed to the outbreak. The campaign aims to immunise 1.3 million children across 30 upazilas.
Regional Implications
The outbreak raised concerns in India despite strong immunisation coverage. Measles can spread rapidly in communities with low vaccination rates. The WHO estimates 95,000 measles deaths occur globally every year.