Bangladesh Launches Emergency Measles Vaccination Campaign
Bangladesh has launched an emergency vaccination campaign. A fast-spreading measles outbreak is behind the move. Officials suspect it has killed more than 100 people. Most of the victims are children. This may be the country’s most lethal wave of the disease in recent history.
A Deadly Measles Wave
The campaign began on Sunday. Health ministry data shows over 7,500 suspected measles cases since 15 March. More than 900 of these cases are now confirmed. Local media report a sharp increase from 2025. Last year, only 125 measles cases were recorded over the entire year.
Vaccination Gaps Raise Concern
Bangladesh has long vaccinated children against measles. The disease is highly contagious. However, the recent outbreak has exposed gaps in the programme. As a result, health officials are deeply concerned.Unicef’s representative in Bangladesh spoke on Sunday. Her name is Rana Flowers. “Vaccines are foundational to child survival,” she said. She added that the current outbreak is putting thousands of children at serious risk. The youngest and most vulnerable are in the most danger.The emergency campaign aims to stop the spread quickly.
