Bangladesh measles outbreak kills over 110 children, emergency vaccination launched

Bangladesh is grappling with a rapidly worsening measles outbreak that has claimed the lives of at least 130 children in just six weeks, according to health data released Sunday. The figures include 113 suspected measles deaths and 17 confirmed fatalities. In response, authorities launched an emergency measles-rubella vaccination campaign on Sunday, aiming to immunize more than 1.3 million children aged six months to under five years across 30 sub-districts in 18 high-risk districts.

Northern Bangladesh hardest hit

The outbreak has escalated significantly over a short period, with government data indicating more than 7,600 suspected measles cases identified nationwide since mid-March. Hundreds of new patients are being admitted to hospitals daily. Northern Bangladesh has been the most affected region. The vaccination drive is being carried out under the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI), with health workers deployed to reach vulnerable populations in underserved areas.

Global health concern and Türkiye’s support

Public health experts warn that measles—one of the most contagious viral diseases—spreads rapidly in communities with low immunization coverage, particularly among young children. The disease can lead to severe complications such as pneumonia and encephalitis and remains a leading cause of vaccine-preventable deaths globally. Dr. ANM Nuruzzaman, a public health specialist, told Anadolu that the vaccination drive is critical to preventing further loss of life. For Türkiye, which has strengthened its own immunization programs and maintains health cooperation ties with South Asian nations, the outbreak serves as a reminder of the importance of routine vaccination even amid global crises. Ankara has previously supported humanitarian health initiatives in Bangladesh, particularly among Rohingya refugee communities, and continues to monitor the situation closely.