Bangladesh has launched a month-long measles-rubella vaccination campaign to reach 3.4 million children aged 6–59 months, lowering the usual nine-month minimum age to include younger infants. The move comes amid the country’s worst measles outbreak, described by the CDC as the world’s largest, with 1,087 confirmed and suspected deaths and tens of thousands of cases. Disruptions to routine immunisation in 2024–25 and vaccine supply problems left many children vulnerable; nearly 20 million have been vaccinated since April, but significant immunity gaps remain. Authorities say full coverage in the current drive is essential to slow transmission and save lives.
Bangladesh Launches Emergency Measles-Rubella Campaign to Protect 3.4 Million Children Amid Deadly Outbreak
FILE PHOTO: Kulsum, one-year-old child who suffers from measles, receives treatment at the Infectious Diseases Hospital in Dhaka, Bangladesh, September 9, 2026. REUTERS/Mohammad Ponir Hossain/File Photo
Dhaka, Sept 26 (Reuters) - Bangladesh on Saturday launched a month-long nationwide measles-rubella vaccination campaign to reach about 3.4 million children who were missed or remain unvaccinated amid the country’s worst measles outbreak on record.
The campaign targets children aged 6 months to 59 months. Health authorities temporarily lowered the minimum vaccination age from the standard nine months to six months to protect younger infants during the emergency drive.
Outbreak Severity and Impact
Public health officials and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say this is the world’s largest measles outbreak. Bangladesh has reported 1,087 confirmed and suspected measles-related deaths, including 101 laboratory-confirmed fatalities. Since March 15, authorities have recorded nearly 187,000 suspected cases and 21,099 confirmed infections, with more than 165,000 people requiring hospital care, according to the health ministry.
FILE PHOTO: A woman carries a child, who suffers from measles, for treatment at a hospital in Dhaka, Bangladesh, September 7, 2026. REUTERS/Stringer/File Photo
Causes and Response
Health experts link the crisis to disruptions in routine immunisation during 2024 and 2025—driven by political turmoil, changes in vaccine procurement and the postponement or cancellation of scheduled campaigns—which left many children unprotected. Missed doses and supply interruptions increased vulnerability, particularly among infants under nine months who normally are too young for routine measles vaccination, enabling transmission across age groups.
Since April, emergency and follow-up campaigns have reached nearly 20 million children. Authorities say the current drive aims to close remaining immunity gaps, reduce severe illness and deaths, and break chains of transmission nationwide. Health officials emphasize that achieving full coverage and reaching every eligible child will be critical to stopping further spread.
Officials’ Message: Rapid, comprehensive vaccination is essential to protect vulnerable children and relieve mounting pressure on hospitals already coping with seasonal dengue cases.
(Reporting by Ruma Paul; Editing by Gareth Jones)
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