Bangladesh battles record measles outbreak as vaccination gaps drive spread

Bangladesh is facing its worst measles outbreak on record, with 999 suspected and confirmed deaths since March, making it the world's largest current outbreak. Hospitals are overwhelmed by a continuing influx of sick children. The outbreak follows disruption to routine immunisation in 2024 and 2025 amid political turmoil after the uprising against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. More than 166,000 suspected cases have been recorded, with under-fives accounting for about 80% of early cases. Health officials cite vaccine shortages and procurement changes under the interim government as key factors. An emergency campaign has vaccinated over 19.7 million children, but experts say stronger routine immunisation is still needed.