Bangladesh battles deadly measles outbreak as investigation highlights vaccination gaps
A measles outbreak in Bangladesh has killed 1,147 people and infected over 202,000 since March 2026.
In Brief
- •A measles outbreak in Bangladesh has killed 1,147 people and infected over 202,000 since March 2026.
- •Reuters investigation links the crisis to declining vaccination coverage, weak health data, and difficulties reaching children.
- •First-dose vaccination coverage fell to 90% and second-dose to 86% in 2025, below WHO's recommended 95% threshold.
- •Political turmoil following 2024 protests disrupted health services, delaying vaccine orders and follow-up vaccinations.
- •Emergency vaccination campaigns reached almost 20 million children but may have missed millions.
Why It Matters
The measles outbreak in Bangladesh underscores the critical importance of vaccination coverage in preventing public health crises. Declining vaccination rates and disruptions in health services highlight the vulnerabilities in public health systems, particularly in the face of political instability. The outbreak serves as a warning to other countries about the consequences of weakened vaccination programs and the need for robust health data and intervention strategies.
Key Details
- Total deaths
- 1,147
- Total infections
- 202,000+
- First-dose vaccination coverage (2025)
- 90%
- Second-dose vaccination coverage (2025)
- 86%
- WHO recommended vaccination coverage
- 95%
- Emergency vaccination campaign reach
- 20 million children
Context & Background
Bangladesh had previously been a vaccination success story, achieving high vaccination coverage rates in 2024. However, political turmoil following protests disrupted health services, leading to declining vaccination coverage and the current measles outbreak.
Original Reporting & Sources
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