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Bangladesh Starts Emergency Measles Vaccinations After More Than 100 Suspected Child Deaths

The drive targets immunity gaps from missed campaigns that left young children unprotected.

Families take care of their children receiving treatment for measles at the Infectious Diseases Hospital in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Monday, April 6, 2026, amid a countrywide outbreak. (AP Photo/Mahmud Hossain Opu)
A nurse treats a child suffering from measles at the Infectious Diseases Hospital in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Monday, April 6, 2026, amid a countrywide outbreak. (AP Photo/Mahmud Hossain Opu)
A mother administers a nebulizer treatment for her child suffering from measles at the Infectious Diseases Hospital in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Monday, April 6, 2026, amid a countrywide outbreak. (AP Photo/Mahmud Hossain Opu)
A woman comforts her child receiving treatment for measles at the Infectious Diseases Hospital in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Monday, April 6, 2026, amid a countrywide outbreak. (AP Photo/Mahmud Hossain Opu)

Overview

  • - The health ministry, backed by WHO, UNICEF and Gavi, launched an emergency measles‑rubella drive Sunday in 18 high‑risk districts, with a phased nationwide rollout planned for May.
  • - Official data show more than 7,500 suspected cases since March 15 and over 100 suspected child deaths, with 900‑plus confirmed cases and spread now reported in 56 of 64 districts.
  • - Hospitals in high‑burden areas report crowded pediatric wards and new isolation units, and authorities are adding beds, ICU support and oxygen supplies to handle the surge.
  • - Officials link the resurgence to missed 2024 vaccination campaigns and supply gaps, and the government has lowered the first dose to six months to better protect infants.
  • - The outbreak is now a factor in India’s talks on Bangladeshi tourist visas, with New Delhi weighing health risks in border states as cases rise in Dhaka and other hubs.