Key facts
- Over 1,000 children have died in Bangladesh's measles outbreak.
- Bangladesh has reported more measles cases than any other country this year.
- The outbreak surged in March, attributed to factors including an overcrowded population and delayed routine immunizations due to the Covid pandemic.
- Unicef claims the interim government delayed vaccine orders last year, leading to shortages.
- About 83% of confirmed measles cases are among unvaccinated children.
- Hospitals are overwhelmed, with some operating at more than double capacity.
Bangladesh is grappling with its most severe measles outbreak in decades, with over 1,000 children succumbing to the highly contagious disease. Despite an emergency vaccination campaign that has reached nearly 20 million children, approximately 1,000 new suspected cases are still being reported daily. The World Health Organization (WHO) data indicates Bangladesh has recorded more measles cases than any other country this year, with over 194,000 cases since March.
Unicef described the initial outbreak as a "perfect storm" driven by factors including an overcrowded population and delays in routine immunizations caused by the Covid pandemic. The UN agency also claimed that the interim government, led by former interim leader Muhammad Yunus, delayed vaccine orders last year while considering new vendors, despite warnings of potential shortages. Unicef spokesperson Miguel Mateos Muñoz had expressed concern in June about these delays.
However, a former top health ministry official under Yunus has denied any vaccine shortages. Public health expert Dr. Mushtuq Husain told the BBC that the continued deaths indicate the initial emergency campaign was insufficient, failing to reach enough children and regions. He emphasized the need for door-to-door outreach to convey the urgency of vaccination.
The WHO acknowledged that while the campaign was largely successful, "some target children were not reached." The organization stated that the outbreak spread nationwide before vaccination efforts could fully interrupt transmission chains. Most cases, about 83%, are among unvaccinated children, with a significant portion being infants under six months old, who are highly vulnerable. Malnutrition further exacerbates the risk of severe complications and death.
Hospitals across Bangladesh have been overwhelmed, with some operating at more than double their capacity. In June, dozens of families were seen lying on blankets on the floor in hospital wards. At that time, the health minister acknowledged the strain but stated the government had "met the challenge," with case numbers reportedly declining. Since then, an additional 300 children have died.