Why are children under nine months in Bangladesh at high risk from measles?

Infants under nine months in Bangladesh are at high risk because they are not yet eligible for routine measles vaccination, and a significant portion of those infected in the current outbreak are in this age group.

What has caused the delay in measles vaccination campaigns in Bangladesh?

Measles vaccination campaigns in Bangladesh have been delayed since 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and political situations, including major upheaval in 2024, preventing planned campaigns from occurring.

Are there enough measles vaccines available in Bangladesh?

Reports indicate vaccine shortages, including for measles, due to procurement issues, contributing to the growing immunity gaps and the ongoing crisis.

Home / Health / Measles Outbreak Threatens Bangladesh Children

Measles Outbreak Threatens Bangladesh Children

6 Apr

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Summary

Measles outbreak puts thousands of young children at risk.
About one-third of infected are infants under nine months old.
Vaccination campaigns delayed since 2020 due to COVID and politics.

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.