Bangladesh launches emergency vaccination as measles outbreak kills over 100 children
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Bangladesh reports over 100 child deaths due to a measles outbreak in recent weeks. Authorities have initiated an emergency vaccination campaign targeting young children. The outbreak continues even as vaccination rates remain low.
Measles Outbreak Statistics
Since mid-March, Bangladesh has recorded over 7,500 measles cases, a significant increase compared to 125 cases in 2025. According to UNICEF, approximately one-third of those affected are children under nine months old, who are not yet vaccinated. The World Health Organization estimates that globally, measles caused around 95,000 deaths in 2024, predominantly in children under five.
Vaccination Efforts and Challenges
Bangladesh formally vaccinates children starting at nine months, with mass campaigns every four years. However, large-scale vaccination efforts have stalled since 2020 due to COVID-19 and political unrest. UNICEF and WHO are collaborating with local authorities to vaccinate over 1.2 million children aged six months to five years, prioritizing those who missed previous vaccinations.
What's Next
The emergency vaccination campaign aims to curb the outbreak swiftly. It remains uncertain if the efforts will achieve the necessary coverage to prevent further spread.
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Bangladesh launches emergency vaccination as measles outbreak kills over 100 children
