Bangladesh Measles Crisis: 194 Children Dead, 28,000 Cases Reported

DHAKA, April 24, 2026 Bangladesh is confronting its deadliest measles outbreak in decades, with authorities confirming 194 child deaths since the outbreak began on March 15, while suspected cases among children have crossed 28,000. Pakistan Today

The crisis has spread at an alarming pace. Transmission has been reported from 58 of the country’s 64 districts, with the highest number of cases concentrated in Dhaka Division, while incidence is highest in Barisal Division. WHO

Children under five account for about 79% of all cases, and the WHO has linked the rapid spread to gaps in population immunity following a decline in vaccination coverage in recent years and disruptions to routine immunisation services. Radio Shoma

Official figures show that between three and five children have been dying each day from the disease over the past week. Pakistan Today Health experts have described the toll as the highest from measles Bangladesh has seen in decades.

Government Response

The government has rolled out a nationwide vaccination campaign, describing it as a response to the country’s worst measles crisis in decades, with the drive targeting 18 million children. Pakistan Today

A phased measles-rubella vaccination campaign was launched targeting children aged 6–59 months, initially rolled out in high-incidence areas across 18 districts, with a second phase covering remaining areas and nationwide completion planned by 21 May 2026. WHO

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has addressed parliament on the matter, placing blame on past governance. Rahman stated that the previous government, along with political parties inside and outside parliament, failed to procure vaccines, and added that the country is currently facing a shortage of testing kits. Pakistan Today

WHO Warning

The WHO described the outbreak as a reversal of progress towards measles elimination in Bangladesh, warning of “ongoing uninterrupted transmission and severe disease outcomes” if immunity gaps are not urgently closed, and noted a high risk of the outbreak spreading further. Radio Shoma

The emergency mass vaccination campaign was launched on April 5, 2026, targeting children between 6 and 59 months of age. Wikipedia

Health authorities, civil society groups, and international organisations have all urged immediate coordinated action to contain the spread and protect the country’s most vulnerable children.

— LivingArcade.net Newsdesk