Bangladesh on Sunday launched an emergency vaccination campaign aimed at protecting more than one million children, as a rapidly spreading outbreak of Measles continues to spread across the country.
According to the health ministry, there have been 17 confirmed deaths so far, along with 113 suspected deaths and over 7,500 suspected cases reported nationwide.
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The campaign, led by the health ministry with support from UNICEF, World Health Organization, and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, has been launched across 18 high-risk districts.
Children between six months and five years old are being prioritized, especially those who missed routine vaccinations and are at the greatest risk of developing serious complications.
“UNICEF is deeply concerned about the sharp rise in measles cases across Bangladesh, putting thousands of children, especially the youngest and most vulnerable, at serious risk,” said Rana Flowers, the charity’s representative to Bangladesh.
“This resurgence highlights critical immunity gaps,” she said.
Hospitals in several high-burden areas are already overwhelmed and working with limited capacity, increasing concerns about the outbreak spreading further.
The World Health Organization told Reuters that the outbreak, now affecting 56 of Bangladesh’s 64 districts, is expected to continue spreading in the coming days but could be brought under control once the vaccination campaign is fully implemented.
“This campaign will help prevent further tragic loss of young lives,” said Dr Ahmed Jamsheed Mohamed, the group’s representative to Bangladesh.
Officials said the emergency vaccination campaign will support ongoing routine immunization efforts as authorities work to contain the outbreak.
