Additional Coverage:
Measles Outbreak in Bangladesh Claims Hundreds of Young Lives Amid Vaccine Disruptions
DHAKA, Bangladesh – In a crowded hospital in Dhaka, eight-month-old Rojatun Jannat Ramisa fights for each breath as her parents watch helplessly. She is among thousands of children across Bangladesh afflicted by a severe measles outbreak that has claimed nearly a thousand young lives this year, highlighting the devastating impact of disruptions to the country’s vaccination programs.
Rojatun’s mother, Ranu Akhter, traveled hundreds of miles from eastern Bangladesh after doctors referred her to a specialized pediatric hospital in the capital. “When we were at the district hospital two weeks ago, I saw many children with red rashes, mouth sores, and fevers – just like my daughter,” Akhter shared from Dhaka Shishu Hospital. “It made me realize how widespread this outbreak is.”
Since March, the situation has worsened rapidly. Over 166,000 suspected cases have been reported nationwide, including nearly 20,000 confirmed infections. The government’s Directorate General of Health Services reports the death toll has surged to 999 children since the start of the year.
In response, Bangladesh launched an emergency vaccination campaign in collaboration with the World Health Organization, UNICEF, and the Gavi vaccine alliance. Initially targeting children aged 6 months to 5 years, the drive has since expanded nationwide in phases.
Measles, a highly contagious airborne virus, causes fever, respiratory symptoms, and a distinctive rash. It can lead to serious complications like pneumonia, diarrhea, and brain swelling, especially in young children. Vaccination with two doses is highly effective, but the WHO notes that at least 95% coverage is required to halt transmission and protect vulnerable groups such as infants too young to be vaccinated.
However, vaccine coverage has declined in recent years. Last year, only about 86% of Bangladeshi children received their second dose, down from 93% in 2024.
Previously, the nation had maintained strong control over measles and other preventable diseases through a robust immunization program credited with saving countless lives. From 2021 to 2025, cases numbered just a few hundred annually, a dramatic drop from over 2,400 cases in 2020.
Experts point to multiple setbacks undermining vaccination efforts. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted routine immunizations, and a key vaccination campaign scheduled for 2024 was largely missed amid political turmoil. Atiqul Islam, a child specialist at Bangladesh Shishu Hospital, explained that many parents avoided vaccination appointments during the pandemic years, creating immunity gaps among children now aged 4 or 5.
Political instability further complicated matters. The 2024 campaign was disrupted amid the ousting of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina during widespread protests, followed by an interim government. The current administration, led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, attributes vaccine shortages and low coverage to mismanagement by previous governments.
Dr. Islam acknowledged some improvements but emphasized ongoing challenges.
“We have been treating measles patients continuously for six months, many arriving with severe complications. Our medical staff is exhausted,” he said.
As Bangladesh races to contain the outbreak, the crisis serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of sustained vaccination programs to protect children and communities from preventable diseases.