Home / Health / Hundreds of Children Dead: Measles Ravages Bangladesh Economy
Hundreds of Children Dead: Measles Ravages Bangladesh Economy
3 Aug
Summary
- Hundreds of children have died from a deadly measles outbreak since March 15.
- Nine in 10 families borrowed money to cover medical expenses for measles.
- Caregivers lost jobs due to extended hospital stays for sick children.
A severe measles outbreak in Bangladesh has led to hundreds of child deaths and a significant economic toll on affected families. Since March 15, health figures indicate at least 844 children have died, with over 112,000 hospitalizations.
Aid groups report that approximately 90% of families impacted by the disease were compelled to borrow money to cover medical expenses. This financial strain is particularly burdensome for poorer communities reliant on informal work.
Associated costs, including medicines and transportation, averaged over $130 per family. Furthermore, many caregivers lost their employment because they needed to stay in hospitals for extended periods, exacerbating their financial difficulties.
