Measles outbreak kills nearly 1,000 in Bangladesh as vaccination gaps persist

A measles outbreak in Bangladesh has killed nearly 1,000 people, mostly children, since the start of 2026, following setbacks to the country's vaccination program. The government is racing to contain the spread amid rising daily deaths. Over 166,000 suspected cases have been recorded since March, with an emergency vaccination drive launched alongside the WHO and UNICEF. Disruptions from the pandemic and political upheaval in 2024 left many children unvaccinated, creating a coverage gap. Officials trade blame over the vaccine shortfall, while doctors report exhaustion treating severe complications like pneumonia and encephalitis. The situation has improved but remains critical, with young infants too vulnerable to vaccinate still at risk.