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Bangladesh Measles Outbreak Kills 118, Mostly Children, Amid Vaccine Crisis

A measles outbreak in Bangladesh has resulted in 118 fatalities, predominantly among children, since March 15. Health experts attribute the crisis to a vaccine shortage stemming from the cancellation of a key funding program and subsequent strikes by immunization workers. An emergency vaccination campaign is now underway, but officials warn that systemic health sector reforms are needed for sustainable progress. The situation is particularly dire as measles is highly contagious, with one patient potentially infecting 16 to 18 others.

Key Points: 118 Dead in Bangladesh Measles Outbreak, Vaccine Shortage Blamed

  • 118 deaths since mid-March
  • Vaccine crisis from cancelled funding
  • Health sector reform urged
  • Emergency campaign underway
  • One patient can infect 16-18 people
2 min read

Bangladesh measles outbreak claims 118 lives, mostly children

A measles outbreak in Bangladesh claims 118 lives, mostly children. Experts cite vaccine fund shortages and cancelled immunization programs as key causes.

"When we are supposed to celebrate something positive on World Health Day, we have to fight an outbreak, which is very unfortunate. - Benazir Ahmed"

Dhaka, April 7

As Bangladesh grapples with a measles outbreak, a total of 118 people, mostly children, died from the suspected cases, local media reported on Tuesday, citing the country's Directorate General of Health Services.

According to the DGHS, the fatalities have been recorded since March 15, including five deaths in the 24-hour period ending Monday morning.

The health agency stated that the 2006 suspected measles patients, primarily children, are currently receiving care at hospitals across the country.

Reports suggest another two children died with the symptoms of an infectious disease at Rajshahi Medical College Hospital (RMCH), bringing the total number of such deaths at the facility to 42.

Confirming the recent fatalities, hospital spokesperson Shankar Kumar Biswas confirmed that deaths occurred over a 24-hour span, Sunday to Monday morning, the Bangladeshi daily Dhaka Tribune reported.

Experts warned that in the absence of systemic reform, emergency measures taken to control the measles outbreak are unlikely to yield significant benefits.

Benazir Ahmed, a health expert and former director of disease control at the DGHS, said that the previous Muhammad Yunus-led interim government's sudden cancellation of the sectoral programme, which provided funds for vaccination, sparked a measles vaccine crisis, resulting in the deaths of many children.

"When we are supposed to celebrate something positive on World Health Day, we have to fight an outbreak, which is very unfortunate. We are supposed to eliminate measles-rubella by 2026, but we are struggling with the growing number of measles patients at hospitals," Bangladesh's leading newspaper, Daily Star, quoted Ahmed as saying.

Additionally, the special campaign for immunisation planned for late 2024 could not be carried out amid the political transition.

According to health officials, the interim government did not launch any such drive, while workers responsible for administering the shots went on strike three times in 2025, disrupting the regular vaccination programme.

Speaking to Daily Star on condition of anonymity, another official said that the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) was forced to ration vaccines in some region since January due to a fund shortage.

Mushtaq Husain, another public health expert, said that although the government has undertaken an emergency vaccination campaign to control the spike in measles cases and deaths, the health sector requires reform to ensure sustainable progress.

Amid the rising fatalities, experts have also urged the government to take urgent action, warning that failure to act could lead to a widespread measles outbreak, as one patient can infect 16 to 18 people.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

A
Aman W
Very sad news. It shows how political instability directly impacts public health. Cancelling vaccination funds is a decision with deadly consequences. Hope the situation is brought under control soon and the emergency measures work.
R
Rahul R
This is a tragedy. We in India have seen the benefits of a strong immunization program. The article mentions one patient can infect 16-18 people – that's terrifying. Public health should never be a casualty of politics or strikes. Full support to the health workers fighting this outbreak.
S
Sarah B
As a mother, this news is chilling. No child should die from measles in this day and age. The mention of vaccine rationing due to fund shortages is particularly alarming. International health organizations need to step in with aid immediately.
V
Vikram M
A sobering read on World Health Day. The experts are right – emergency measures are a band-aid. Sustainable reform in the health sector is needed. Hope our neighbors can stabilize their immunization program quickly. Health is wealth, for any nation.
K
Karthik V
While the situation is tragic, I have to respectfully point out that the article heavily blames the previous interim government and strikes. A balanced view would also examine the current administration's response and planning. Public health requires consistent effort across political cycles.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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