Emergency jabs after 100 children die of suspected measles in a month in Bangladesh
Emergency Jabs After 100 Children Die of Suspected Measles in Bangladesh
Outbreak Sparks Urgent Vaccination Drive
Bangladesh has initiated an emergency vaccination campaign following a measles outbreak that has claimed over 100 lives, primarily children, within a single month. Health officials reported more than 7,500 suspected cases since March 15, with 900 confirmed as measles infections. This surge has raised alarms about the country’s most severe measles wave in recent history.
Although routine measles vaccines are administered to infants from nine months old, nearly a third of those affected in the current outbreak are younger than that. This highlights vulnerabilities in the national immunization program, as noted by health authorities. The government had planned a special vaccination drive in April but postponed it due to logistical challenges, according to reports.
“Vaccines are foundational to child survival,” stated Rana Flowers, Unicef’s representative in Bangladesh. “The current measles outbreak is putting thousands of children, especially the youngest and most vulnerable, at serious risk.”
The emergency campaign, launched on Sunday, targets 1.2 million children aged six months to five years across 30 upazilas. It prioritizes those who missed routine shots and focuses on high-risk areas like Dhaka and Cox’s Bazar, where refugee camps amplify transmission risks.
Bangladesh’s political landscape has shifted significantly in 2024, with anti-government protests toppling long-standing leader Sheikh Hasina. An interim government took control until February, when a new administration was elected. This transition, along with pandemic disruptions, contributed to the delay in campaigns.
Procurement issues have exacerbated vaccine shortages, as reported by the Daily Star. While some attribute the crisis to the former interim government, Unicef emphasized that measles resurgences often stem from cumulative gaps in immunization rather than isolated factors. Despite Bangladesh’s strong immunization history, even minor disruptions can erode coverage over time.
Measles remains a deadly airborne disease, with severe complications and fatalities. The World Health Organization notes that 95,000 global deaths were linked to measles in 2024, most among children under five. However, vaccination rates above 95% are critical to preventing outbreaks. Globally, cases have dropped from 38 million in 2000 to 11 million in 2024, yet a resurgence is now observed in regions where immunization rates decline.
Health authorities are also distributing infographics to educate the public on recognizing measles symptoms and prevention strategies. With the campaign underway, officials hope to curb the spread before it escalates further.
