Bangladesh measles outbreak passes 1,000 child deaths as vaccination campaign misses millions
Bangladeshi health officials report 1,002 child deaths and 187,484 infections since the outbreak began in March.
At least 1,002 children have died in Bangladesh’s measles outbreak since March, according to figures reported by the Directorate General of Health Services on Wednesday. Officials also reported 187,484 infections.
An emergency vaccination campaign launched in April reached 18 million children, but official figures show roughly four million were not reached. The campaign failed to achieve the level of population protection officials had sought, while teams continue looking for children missed by the drive.
The World Health Organization and UNICEF have linked immunisation gaps that emerged in 2024 and 2025 to political turmoil and changes in vaccine procurement. Bangladesh’s health minister told parliament that procurement policy changes during that period contributed to a vaccine shortage.
Measles is highly contagious but preventable with two vaccine doses. Infants too young to be vaccinated are particularly vulnerable, while children under five accounted for more than 80 per cent of cases early in the outbreak.
The outbreak is adding pressure to hospitals already treating a surge in dengue cases. More than 45,000 people have reportedly been admitted with dengue, with Tuesday described as a record day for dengue admissions and deaths.
