Bangladesh has launched an emergency vaccination campaign after measles killed over 100 people, mostly children, since March 15. More than 7,500 suspected cases have emerged with over 900 confirmed infections.
The outbreak represents Bangladesh's most lethal measles wave in recent history. Routine vaccination programs faced disruptions due to political instability and procurement issues, leaving approximately one-third of infected children under nine months old - too young for standard vaccines.
Emergency campaigns now target 1.2 million children aged six months to five years across 30 sub-districts. Dhaka and Cox's Bazar receive priority focus due to dense populations and Rohingya refugee camps.
The WHO reports 95,000 global measles deaths in 2024, primarily affecting children under five. Bangladesh typically vaccinates children starting at nine months, but special campaigns every four years were suspended since 2020 due to COVID-19 and political conditions.