Bangladesh expands measles vaccination drive as outbreak spreads
Campaign targets millions of children under five as cases and deaths rise, with authorities reporting early signs of containment
DHAKA, Bangladesh (MNTV) — Bangladesh has vaccinated more than 1.9 million children against measles and rubella in an emergency nationwide campaign, as authorities race to contain a growing outbreak that has infected tens of thousands across the country.
A third phase of the immunization drive began Monday, expanding coverage to children aged six to 59 months nationwide. The campaign, which started April 20, will run for four weeks, excluding Fridays and public holidays, with daily vaccinations conducted between morning and mid-afternoon hours.
The effort follows two earlier phases launched in response to a sharp rise in measles infections. In the first phase, rolled out on April 5, health authorities targeted 30 high-risk administrative sub-districts across 18 districts. More than 1.48 million children were vaccinated during this period, achieving full coverage in those areas, according to data from Bangladesh’s Directorate General of Health Services.
The second phase, launched on April 12, focused on major urban centers, including the capital Dhaka and other large cities. More than 466,000 children were vaccinated in metropolitan areas, reaching about 93% of the target population.
Health Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Husain said the situation has begun to stabilize due to early intervention, adding that vaccine supplies remain sufficient to sustain the campaign through June.
Public health specialists say measles vaccination campaigns are typically effective in curbing outbreaks within weeks if coverage is comprehensive, particularly in densely populated regions where transmission spreads quickly.
Under the nationwide program, all children in the targeted age group are receiving a single dose of the measles-rubella vaccine, regardless of prior immunization status.
Vaccinations are being administered through a wide network of facilities, including early education centers, religious schools, orphanages and child care institutions. Children not enrolled in any institution are being reached through routine immunization centers located within communities.
Permanent vaccination sites have been established at sub-district health complexes, municipal health facilities and hospitals in major cities, alongside temporary outreach centers set up in local neighborhoods.
Authorities have also deployed mobile and flexible vaccination units to reach high-risk and hard-to-access populations.
These include children in informal settlements, those living on the streets, children of migrant or nomadic families, and those accompanying caregivers in workplaces such as markets, factories and agricultural processing sites.
Special arrangements are also in place for children staying in hospitals and correctional facilities with their mothers.
Official data shows that, as of April 19, Bangladesh has recorded 3,443 confirmed measles cases and more than 23,600 suspected infections. While over 12,000 patients have recovered, the outbreak has resulted in at least 36 confirmed deaths and 181 deaths among suspected cases.
The highest number of infections has been reported in the Dhaka region, reflecting the risks posed by high population density and rapid urban transmission.
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