Bangladesh measles outbreak kills nearly 1,000 children despite vaccination push

A measles outbreak in Bangladesh has killed nearly 1,000 children this year, with the death toll reaching 999 by Tuesday despite emergency vaccination efforts. The outbreak has sickened over 166,000 suspected cases since January, overwhelming hospitals like Dhaka Shishu Hospital. The government launched a vaccination drive in March with WHO, UNICEF, and Gavi, targeting children aged 6 months to 5 years. Coverage for the second measles dose fell to 86% last year from 93% in 2024, due to COVID-19 disruptions and a missed 2024 campaign during political upheaval. Current Prime Minister Tarique Rahman blames ousted leaders Sheikh Hasina and Muhammad Yunus for vaccine shortfalls, while Hasina accuses Yunus from exile. Doctors report exhaustion treating complications like pneumonia and encephalitis, noting improvement but saying progress is too slow.