Why Bangladesh is struggling against measles epidemic despite 20m vaccines
Summary
Bangladesh is dealing with a severe measles outbreak that has killed over 1,000 people since March 2026, despite vaccinating nearly 20 million children in an emergency campaign. The outbreak worsened because fewer children were vaccinated in past years, vaccine shortages happened due to political changes, and the original vaccination target was too low.Key Facts
- More than 1,000 measles deaths were reported in Bangladesh since March 2026.
- Nearly 20 million children were vaccinated during an emergency campaign starting in April 2026.
- Last year, Bangladesh had only 132 measles cases and no deaths.
- Vaccination rates for the first and second doses of the measles-rubella vaccine dropped between 2019 and 2023.
- Vaccine coverage was below the 95% needed to stop measles spread.
- COVID-19 disrupted routine immunizations.
- Political changes in 2024 caused vaccine delays and shortages.
- The outbreak spread to most districts by April 2026, leading to a nationwide emergency vaccination effort.
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