Bangladesh has begun an emergency measles-rubella vaccination drive after an outbreak killed more than 100 children in under a month. The government, with WHO, UNICEF and Gavi, is vaccinating children aged 6 months to 5 years in 18 high-risk districts and will expand nationwide in phases. Officials report more than 900 confirmed cases among roughly 7,500 suspected since March 15, and authorities urge parents to seek hospital care for suspected measles rather than rely on medicines from local shops.
Bangladesh Launches Emergency Measles-Rubella Campaign After Outbreak Kills Over 100 Children
A mother administers a nebulizer treatment for her child suffering from measles at the Infectious Diseases Hospital in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Monday, April 6, 2026, amid a countrywide outbreak. (AP Photo/Mahmud Hossain Opu)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Bangladesh has launched an emergency measles-rubella vaccination campaign as health authorities race to contain an outbreak that has killed more than 100 children in under a month.
A mother administers a nebulizer treatment for her child suffering from measles at the Infectious Diseases Hospital in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Monday, April 6, 2026, amid a countrywide outbreak. (AP Photo/Mahmud Hossain Opu)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Rapid Response and Coverage Plans
In a joint statement, the government said it has partnered with the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF and the Gavi vaccine alliance to immunize children aged 6 months to 5 years in 18 high-risk districts beginning Sunday. Officials plan to expand the campaign nationwide in phased stages starting next month.
A nurse treats a child suffering from measles at the Infectious Diseases Hospital in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Monday, April 6, 2026, amid a countrywide outbreak. (AP Photo/Mahmud Hossain Opu)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Rising Cases and Concern for Infants
Official figures show more than 900 laboratory-confirmed measles cases among roughly 7,500 suspected infections reported since March 15 in the South Asian nation of more than 170 million people. UNICEF warned that the surge is putting the youngest and most vulnerable children at particular risk.
A woman comforts her child receiving treatment for measles at the Infectious Diseases Hospital in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Monday, April 6, 2026, amid a countrywide outbreak. (AP Photo/Mahmud Hossain Opu)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
“This resurgence highlights critical immunity gaps, particularly among zero-dose and under-vaccinated children, while infections among infants under nine months, who are not yet eligible for routine vaccination, are especially alarming,”
— Rana Flowers, UNICEF Representative in Bangladesh
What Measles Does and Why Vaccination Matters
The WHO describes measles as a highly contagious airborne disease that causes high fever, respiratory symptoms and a characteristic rash. It can lead to severe or fatal complications, especially in young children. WHO guidance indicates that about 95% population coverage is needed to interrupt measles transmission, making vaccination campaigns critical to stopping outbreaks.
Families take care of their children receiving treatment for measles at the Infectious Diseases Hospital in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Monday, April 6, 2026, amid a countrywide outbreak. (AP Photo/Mahmud Hossain Opu)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Political Context and Vaccine Supply
Responding to questions in Parliament, Health Minister Sardar Mohammed Sakhawat Husain blamed the outbreak on alleged mismanagement and stockpile failures by previous administrations, saying shortages affected vaccines for measles and six other diseases. Officials say routine vaccination efforts were disrupted amid recent political turmoil: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was removed during widespread unrest in 2024, and an interim administration led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus later handed power to an elected government after a February election.
Advice to Parents and Health System Capacity
Health authorities are urging parents to seek hospital care for suspected measles cases rather than relying on medicines from local shops. F. A. Asma Khan, deputy director of the Infectious Diseases Hospital in Dhaka, advised that high fevers (about 101–104°F / >38.3°C) warrant prompt medical attention so trained staff can provide appropriate basic care.
“They should avoid taking medicine from shopkeepers unnecessarily. If a child has a high fever, they must take the child to a hospital as soon as possible because our medical officers can provide proper basic treatment,”
— F. A. Asma Khan, Deputy Director, Infectious Diseases Hospital, Dhaka
Long-Term Progress and Persistent Gaps
Since the launch of a nationwide immunization program in 1979, Bangladesh has increased the share of fully immunized children from about 2% to roughly 81.6%. However, UNICEF cautioned last year that significant disparities in coverage remain across regions and population groups, leaving pockets of susceptibility.
What To Watch For
- Expansion of the vaccination campaign beyond the initial 18 districts.
- Updated case counts and mortality figures from the Ministry of Health and international partners.
- Efforts to address vaccine stockpiles and routine immunization disruptions.
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