The number of children who have died from the ongoing measles outbreak in Bangladesh has risen to more than 1,000, while suspected new infections increase daily. Authorities are hastening vaccination campaigns for children.
Foreign news agencies reported on 17 Sep 2026 that Bangladesh is facing a severe measles outbreak, with over 1,000 children dead and suspected new cases rising daily, despite the government's emergency vaccination campaign.
Currently, over 19.8 million children in Bangladesh have received measles vaccinations, yet suspected new infections increase by more than 1,000 daily. Official government figures indicate over 194,000 measles cases since March.
The World Health Organization (WHO) states that Bangladesh has become the country with the highest measles case count worldwide this year, despite previous significant progress toward disease elimination.
Reports attribute the outbreak mainly to 83% of infected individuals being unvaccinated children, with 10% being infants under six months old. The country's high population density of 178 million, combined with child malnutrition, increases risks of severe complications and death.
UNICEF points out that a prior interim government delayed vaccine procurement due to changing suppliers, causing shortages. Health experts criticize the initial emergency vaccination round for not reaching all areas and age groups.
Additionally, many hospitals are overcrowded, with some patients forced to lie on floors and facilities operating at more than double capacity, raising the risk of disease transmission.
UNICEF and the Bangladeshi government plan to scale up proactive vaccination campaigns on 26 September to urgently reach unvaccinated children.
Measles has resurged in several countries besides Bangladesh, such as the United Kingdom, which lost its measles elimination status this year, and the United States, which has seen increasing cases in recent years.
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Source:bbc