Measles outbreak in Bangladesh kills over 1,200 people

A severe measles outbreak in Bangladesh has resulted in over 1,200 deaths and 220,000 recorded cases since its onset in March 2026. According to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), this event is recognized as one of the deadliest epidemics in the country's history.

An independent committee of national and international experts has submitted a critical report to the government, warning that the crisis reflects systemic failures in the national vaccination infrastructure. With only 82% of children fully vaccinated, experts caution that without immediate corrective measures, the country faces imminent threats of further outbreaks, specifically citing risks of pertussis, diphtheria, and vaccine-derived polio.

In response to the deteriorating public health situation, the government has formed a 70-member task force to evaluate the vaccination program. This initiative is being supported by the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, and the Gavi vaccine alliance to stabilize the immunization system and prevent further preventable disease outbreaks.