Bangladesh Measles Outbreak Worsens
Bangladesh faces deadly measles outbreak as vaccination rates drop below critical levels.
In brief
Bangladesh faces deadly measles outbreak as vaccination rates drop below critical levels. Bangladesh reports 202,000 suspected measles cases with 22,000 confirmed since mid-March, causing 1,147 deaths including 94% under five. Originally reported by Dawn.
Measles Crisis in Bangladesh
Bangladesh reports 202,000 suspected measles cases since mid-March, with 22,000 laboratory-confirmed.
High Death Toll
1,147 people have died from measles, 94 percent of whom are children under five years old.
Vaccination Rates Drop
Bangladesh’s routine vaccination programme faltered in 2025, with first-dose coverage at 90pc and second-dose at 86pc.
Health Workers Missed
Amin Mia, 26, said no health workers came to his remote village in Sylhet to offer vaccinations in time.
“They came only after i buried my son”
WHO Warning
WHO vaccine adviser Mark Jit says preventing outbreaks through vaccinations is easier, cheaper and safer than emergency response.
Outbreak Consequence
The outbreak has killed children and left families struggling to afford medical treatment for measles.
What it means
Bangladesh reports 202,000 suspected measles cases with 22,000 confirmed since mid-March, causing 1,147 deaths including 94% under five.
