Bangladesh faces record measles outbreak as vaccination gaps drive spread

Bangladesh is facing its worst measles outbreak on record, with 999 suspected and confirmed deaths reported since March, making it the world's largest current outbreak. Hospitals are struggling with overcrowding and shortages as sick children continue to arrive. The outbreak follows disruption to routine immunisation in 2024 and 2025 during political turmoil after the uprising against former prime minister Sheikh Hasina. Missed vaccinations and vaccine supply problems left children vulnerable, with under-fives accounting for about 80% of cases in early stages. More than 166,000 suspected cases have been recorded. An emergency vaccination campaign launched in April has reached over 19.7 million children, but experts say stronger routine immunisation is needed. The health system is also strained by a concurrent dengue outbreak, with over 45,000 hospitalisations this year.