Dhaka, Bangladesh — The Bangladesh government has launched an emergency measles-rubella vaccination campaign following a deadly outbreak that has claimed the lives of more than 100 children in less than a month.
In coordination with the World Health Organization, UNICEF, and the Gavi vaccine alliance, authorities began vaccinating children aged 6 months to 5 years across 18 high-risk districts on Sunday. The campaign is set to expand nationwide in phases beginning next month, according to a joint statement.
Health officials raised alarm over the rapid increase in infections, with more than 900 confirmed measles cases out of 7,500 suspected infections reported since March 15. UNICEF warned that the outbreak is placing the youngest and most vulnerable children at significant risk.
“This resurgence highlights critical immunity gaps, particularly among zero-dose and under-vaccinated children,” said Rana Flowers, UNICEF representative in Bangladesh. She added that infections among infants under nine months who are not yet eligible for routine vaccination are especially concerning.
Measles, a highly contagious airborne disease, can cause fever, respiratory illness, and a distinct rash, and may lead to severe or fatal complications, particularly in young children. The World Health Organization said at least 95% vaccination coverage is needed to prevent widespread transmission.
Health Minister Sardar Mohammed Sakhawat Husain attributed the outbreak to lapses in vaccine management by previous administrations, citing shortages that affected immunization programs for measles and other diseases. He pointed to disruptions during recent political upheavals, including the 2024 mass uprising that ousted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the subsequent interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus.
Medical authorities are urging parents to seek immediate hospital care for children showing symptoms of measles.
“They should avoid taking medicine from shopkeepers unnecessarily,” said Dr. F. A. Asma Khan of the Infectious Diseases Hospital in Dhaka. “If a child has a high fever, they must be taken to a hospital as soon as possible because our medical officers can provide proper treatment.”
Bangladesh has significantly improved its immunization coverage since launching a nationwide program in 1979, increasing the rate of fully vaccinated children from 2% to over 81%. However, health officials warn that gaps in coverage persist, leaving many children vulnerable to preventable diseases.
Paraluman P. Funtanilla
Paraluman P. Funtanilla is Tutubi News Magazine's Marketing Specialist and is a Contributing Editor. She finished her degree in Communication Arts in De La Salle Lipa. She has worked as a Digital Marketer for start-up businesses and small business spaces for the past two years. She has earned certificates from Coursera on Brand Management: Aligning Business Brand and Behavior and Viral Marketing and How to Craft Contagious Content. She also worked with Asia Express Romania TV Show.
- Paraluman P. Funtanilla
- Paraluman P. Funtanilla
- Paraluman P. Funtanilla
- Paraluman P. Funtanilla
