Bangladesh has launched an emergency measles-rubella vaccination drive for children across the country as it confronts its worst measles outbreak in years.
The campaign began after health authorities reported more than 900 confirmed cases since March, alongside a sharp rise in infections among unvaccinated infants. More than 100 children have died in the outbreak, according to the report.
The government is carrying out the vaccination effort in partnership with the United Nations. The drive is intended to respond to the scale of the current surge and to help limit further spread of the disease.
Rising cases amid falling vaccination rates
The outbreak comes at a time when vaccination rates have fallen, leaving more children vulnerable to infection. Measles can spread quickly in communities where immunisation coverage is low, making large-scale vaccination efforts especially important during a surge.
Bangladesh’s response is focused on children, the group most affected by the current wave of cases and deaths. The emergency campaign aims to reach as many children as possible while the outbreak is still active.
Measles-rubella vaccination is a standard public health tool used to control outbreaks and protect children from both diseases. In this case, officials are acting after the country saw a steep increase in confirmed cases over a relatively short period.
The situation marks a serious setback for public health in Bangladesh, which is now dealing with a major increase in measles infections and deaths at the same time. The emergency drive reflects the urgency of the response as authorities and international partners attempt to contain the outbreak.
With more than 900 cases confirmed since March and the death toll now above 100 children, Bangladesh’s vaccination campaign is being rolled out as part of a broader effort to slow the spread and protect vulnerable communities.
