Bangladesh measles cases drop sharply after targeted vaccination
Targeted campaign cuts infections to near zero in hardest-hit zones, but experts warn higher routine coverage needed to prevent resurgence
DHAKA, Bangladesh (MNTV) — Measles infections have dropped to nearly zero in some of Bangladesh’s highest-risk areas following a targeted vaccination campaign, offering early signs of containment in an outbreak that health authorities had described as severe.
Officials said vaccines were administered last month across 30 high-risk subdistricts during the first phase of a nationwide measles-rubella immunization drive. Within weeks, reported cases in those areas declined sharply, according to data presented at a policy discussion in the capital.
The figures were shared during a review meeting on the 2026 measles-rubella campaign, where health officials and international partners assessed progress and gaps in Bangladesh’s immunization system. The campaign has so far achieved about 93% coverage nationwide, but experts stressed that at least 95% coverage is required to effectively interrupt transmission and prevent future outbreaks.
The discussion, organized by the United Nations children’s agency UNICEF and leading Bangladeshi daily Prothom Alo, brought together government officials, health specialists, and development partners to evaluate the country’s response.
Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md. Sakhawat Hossain said the outbreak had posed a “serious public health threat,” adding that frontline workers had witnessed its impact firsthand. He credited emergency medical support, including ventilators supplied by private pharmaceutical companies, with helping prevent a higher death toll during the peak of the crisis. Additional ventilators are expected to arrive in the coming days to strengthen treatment capacity.
The minister also pointed to earlier funding constraints in the health system, saying resources had been severely limited at the onset of the outbreak. However, he said vaccine supplies are now stabilizing, with 1.5 million measles doses delivered this week. Authorities expect a broader shipment of 108 million vaccine doses covering 10 diseases—including measles—by May 10, which officials say will help prevent future shortages.
UNICEF’s representative in Bangladesh, Rana Flowers, said the outbreak highlighted the need to strengthen routine immunization rather than relying heavily on emergency campaigns. She emphasized integrating vaccination efforts with primary healthcare services, including nutrition and family planning, to improve long-term resilience.
Public health experts at the meeting warned that while the sharp decline in cases is encouraging, sustained investment in routine immunization and healthcare infrastructure will be critical to preventing another outbreak.
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