Measles Outbreak in Bangladesh Claims Hundreds of Lives
Children keep dying in a country – Over the past four months, nearly 750 individuals, including four-month-old Arafat, have succumbed to measles in Bangladesh. Paediatrician Dr. Mohammed Golam Mawla described the situation as unprecedented, noting the overcrowded wards in Mymensingh’s Medical College Hospital. “I have never witnessed an outbreak of this scale,” he said, emphasizing the stark contrast to earlier progress.
Decline in Vaccination Rates
According to the World Health Organisation, Bangladesh had previously made significant strides toward measles elimination, with vaccination rates exceeding 90% until recently. This momentum has now faltered, as government data reveals nearly 750 deaths since March. The surge has overwhelmed healthcare systems, with the measles ward operating at more than double its capacity, housing nearly 130 patients in 32 rooms.
“We were worried about possible [vaccine] gaps increasing, and it unfolding into what we’re now seeing,” said Miguel Mateos Muñoz, Unicef’s spokesperson in Bangladesh. He attributed the crisis to a “perfect storm” of factors, including alleged delays in vaccine orders and disruptions from the pandemic.
Factors Behind the Surge
Political instability in Bangladesh, marked by student-led protests in 2024 that ousted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has compounded challenges. Unicef claims the interim government under Muhammad Yunus delayed vaccine purchases, prioritizing new vendors and restructuring financing. Meanwhile, the pandemic disrupted routine immunizations, and a lack of measles-rubella campaigns since 2020 left populations vulnerable. Overcrowding and Eid holiday travel further accelerated transmission.
Arafat’s case exemplifies the toll of the outbreak. His father, Mohammad Alam Mia, shared, “We have been in the hospital for about 15 days now, but my baby isn’t getting any better.” The infant, writhing in heat and struggling to breathe, required oxygen tubes taped to his tiny nose. Despite the urgency, the family’s limited resources forced them to borrow money for treatment.
Global Context
While Bangladesh faces this crisis, it’s not unique globally. The United Kingdom, once declared measles-free, has recently experienced a resurgence. Similarly, the United States has seen an increase in cases, with children under five falling below the 95% vaccination threshold needed for herd immunity. Bangladesh remains among the countries recording almost 1,000 new measles cases daily, underscoring the ongoing public health challenge.
“These communications did not contain any specific warning about a potential measles outbreak,” stated Syedur Rahman, a former health ministry official under Yunus. He defended the interim government’s approach, citing claims that competitive procurement could improve cost efficiency over time.
