Dhaka: Bangladesh is grappling with a serious measles outbreak that has resulted in the deaths of more than 100 children within a span of weeks, prompting authorities to roll out an urgent vaccination campaign to contain the spread.
Health officials, in collaboration with global agencies including the World Health Organization, UNICEF, and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, have initiated a large-scale immunisation drive targeting children between six months and five years of age. The campaign has begun in 18 districts identified as high-risk and is expected to expand across the country in phases starting next month.
Rising Cases Trigger Urgent Action
The outbreak has raised alarm among health experts, especially due to the rapid increase in infections. Since mid-March, thousands of suspected cases have been reported, with over 900 confirmed as measles. The surge highlights gaps in vaccination coverage, particularly among children who have either missed doses or were never immunised.
Rama Flowers, a senior representative of UNICEF in Bangladesh, warned that the situation poses a significant threat to young children, especially those with little or no immunity. She pointed out that infants under nine months are among the most vulnerable, as they are not yet eligible for routine measles vaccination.
Highly Contagious Disease Spreads Quickly
Measles, a highly infectious airborne illness, spreads rapidly in areas with low vaccination rates. It typically causes high fever, cough, and a widespread rash, and can lead to severe complications, particularly in malnourished children or those with weakened immune systems.
According to the World Health Organization, at least 95 percent immunisation coverage is necessary to prevent outbreaks and achieve community protection. The current situation in Bangladesh suggests that this threshold has not been met in several regions.
Focus on Closing Immunity Gaps
The ongoing vaccination campaign aims to bridge these immunity gaps and prevent further loss of life. Health workers are being mobilised to reach vulnerable populations, particularly in densely populated and underserved areas.
Authorities are urging parents to ensure their children receive the vaccine as the country races to contain the outbreak. With cases continuing to rise, timely immunisation remains the most effective tool to curb the spread and protect at-risk communities.
