Bangladesh Faces Measles Crisis Amidst Vaccination Challenges

A severe measles outbreak has erupted in Bangladesh, resulting in over 30 confirmed deaths, predominantly affecting children under two years of age, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

The WHO highlighted a significant regression in the country's progress towards eliminating the disease, citing a suspected additional 166 deaths since mid-March. From March 15 to April 14, more than 19,000 potential cases were documented, with nearly 3,000 laboratory-confirmed instances, indicating the highest death toll from measles in decades.

With children under five comprising approximately 79% of the cases, health officials pinpointed the rapid spread to population immunity lapses due to declining vaccination coverage in recent years. In response, a comprehensive nationwide vaccination initiative targeting children between six to 59 months has been launched, accompanied by swift response teams, heightened surveillance, hospital readiness, and vitamin A supplementation.

(With inputs from agencies.)