Bangladesh is battling measles. It’s a “real warning” to other nations
Summary
Bangladesh is battling the world’s worst measles outbreak, with more than 202,000 suspected cases and 1,147 deaths reported since mid-March. Health experts say falling immunisation rates, weak data and gaps in outreach offer a warning to other countries.
Key Points
- Bangladesh has reported 202,000 suspected measles cases and 1,147 deaths since mid-March, according to the World Health Organisation.
- Experts say the outbreak was worsened by falling vaccination coverage, weak official data and missed outreach to children in remote areas.
- The emergency vaccination campaign reached far fewer children than claimed, leaving major coverage gaps in high-risk districts such as Sylhet.
- Health officials say a new campaign is targeting millions of previously missed children, but unregistered births and staffing shortages continue to hinder the response.
