Overview
- Authorities report 336 child deaths and more than 50,000 confirmed or suspected cases since mid-March, and pediatric wards are crowded.
- An emergency measles‑rubella drive that began April 5 has vaccinated nearly 17 million children, though officials say benefits will take weeks because herd immunity needs about 95% coverage.
- The army set up a 20‑bed tent field hospital at Dhaka Medical College Hospital to expand capacity for expected cases.
- Most patients are between six months and five years old, and doctors say missed second doses have been common among recent cases.
- Reports from health officials and NGOs link the surge to disrupted vaccination after the 2024 revolt, a 2025 shift away from UNICEF vaccine procurement, and missed vitamin A programs that, along with malnutrition, worsened outcomes.