A devastating measles outbreak in Bangladesh has killed more than 500 children since March, overwhelming hospitals and exposing critical gaps in the country's vaccination system. The health ministry reports over sixty thousand suspected cases in just over two months.
Health officials say multiple factors created a "perfect storm": children missing routine vaccinations during the pandemic, high population density in cities like Dhaka and Cox's Bazar, and delays in ordering vaccines after the interim government changed procurement procedures. UNICEF warned the government for months about the risk of an outbreak.
One father, Al Amin, recounts how his four-year-old daughter Akira died after they tried four times to get her vaccinated but were turned away due to shortages. She was hospitalized five times before doctors diagnosed measles.
Bangladesh launched an emergency vaccination campaign in early April with international aid, and new infections have begun to plateau in the worst-hit areas. But full immunity will take weeks. Experts worry about further spread during Eid holidays when families travel.
The health minister, Sardar Sakhawat Hossain, declined to declare a national emergency, insisting district hospitals are prepared. UNICEF continues to help triage and isolate patients at overwhelmed facilities.