Bangladesh launched a month-long measles-rubella vaccination campaign Saturday, targeting 3.4 million children aged 6–59 months who missed earlier shots. The minimum age was lowered from the usual 9 months amid an outbreak with more than 1,000 reported measles-related deaths.
Since March 15, authorities have reported nearly 187,000 suspected cases and 21,099 confirmed infections, with more than 165,000 people hospitalised. Of 1,087 confirmed and suspected measles-related deaths recorded, 101 were laboratory-confirmed.
Health experts attribute the crisis to disruptions in routine immunisation in 2024 and 2025, amid political turmoil, changes to vaccine procurement and postponed or cancelled campaigns. Emergency and follow-up drives have vaccinated nearly 20 million children since April, but experts say significant immunity gaps remain.
