Bangladesh measles outbreak approaches 1,000 child deaths

Bangladesh is confronting its deadliest measles outbreak in decades as the death toll approaches 1,000 children, according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The epidemic, which began spreading in early 2024, has overwhelmed pediatric wards in hospitals across the country, with doctors reporting a surge of infants and toddlers suffering from severe complications such as pneumonia, encephalitis and malnutrition. As of the latest figures released on Monday, more than 15,000 measles cases have been confirmed, and health officials say the number of fatalities could surpass the 1,000‑mark within weeks if the outbreak is not contained.

The government has launched an emergency vaccination campaign targeting children aged six months to five years, aiming to immunize an estimated 20 million at‑risk youngsters over the next two months. International partners, including the World Health Organization and UNICEF, are supplying measles‑containing vaccine doses and technical support to strengthen surveillance and outbreak response. Health authorities warn that gaps in routine immunization, exacerbated by pandemic‑related disruptions, contributed to the rapid spread. While the intensified effort seeks to curb new infections, hospitals remain strained, underscoring the urgent need for sustained vaccination coverage to prevent further loss of life.