Measles Outbreak Threatens Bangladesh Children

Bangladesh is facing a critical measles outbreak, with thousands of children, especially the youngest and most vulnerable, at serious risk. A significant concern is that approximately one-third of those infected are infants under nine months old, who are not yet eligible for the routine vaccination given at that age.

The country's measles vaccination campaigns, which are typically conducted every four years, have not occurred since 2020. These campaigns were initially postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequently due to political situations, including the significant political upheaval in 2024 that led to a change in government. A planned campaign in April of this year also did not take place.

Compounding the issue are reported vaccine shortages, with some health officials citing procurement problems. While some blame these shortages on a new vaccine procurement system overseen by the former interim government, Unicef emphasizes that such resurgences are usually the result of accumulated gaps rather than a single cause. Bangladesh historically boasts high immunization coverage, but even minor disruptions can gradually create immunity gaps over time.