At least 38 children in Bangladesh have died this year from measles and related complications, as a surge in cases overwhelms hospitals and raises concerns about declining vaccination rates. The majority of these deaths – 32 – have occurred this month alone, with hospitals in the capital, Dhaka and several other districts reporting a dramatic increase in patients, many of whom are unvaccinated.
The outbreak is placing immense strain on the country’s healthcare system. The Infectious Disease Hospital (IDH) in Dhaka’s Mohakhali area has been particularly hard hit, admitting 448 measles patients in the last 29 days, compared to just 69 cases during the same period last year. Twenty-two children have died at IDH this year, 21 of them this month. The situation underscores a growing vulnerability to preventable diseases, fueled by disruptions to immunization programs and a potential decline in public trust in vaccination efforts.
Beyond Dhaka, cases are rising in Mymensingh, Chapainawabganj, Pabna, Natore, and Rajshahi. Five children have died at Mymensingh Medical College Hospital (MMCH), four in Chapainawabganj, and one at Rajshahi Medical College Hospital (RMCH), according to official reports. However, the true scale of the outbreak may be larger than currently reported, as health authorities acknowledge incomplete data on measles-related deaths. Some reports, including those from Prothom Alo, suggest a higher death toll at RMCH, citing 12 fatalities this month, though hospital spokesperson Shankar K Biswas currently confirms only one suspected measles death.
A System Under Strain: Vaccine Supply and Campaign Disruptions
Health officials attribute the surge in cases to gaps in immunization coverage. Bangladesh’s national immunization program provides measles vaccinations at nine and 15 months of age, achieving a vaccination rate of 90 to 92 percent. However, this leaves approximately 10 percent of children vulnerable, leading to cyclical outbreaks every few years, explains Halimur Rashid, director (disease control) of the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). A planned nationwide measles vaccination campaign in 2024 was postponed due to political unrest, and regular vaccination programs were disrupted multiple times last year by strikes from health assistants responsible for administering vaccines in rural areas.
Compounding the problem is a recent funding crisis stemming from the suspension of a sector program that supports vaccination efforts. This has led to shortages of essential vaccines. According to DGHS officials, the central stock of measles vaccine was recently exhausted, with only a month’s supply remaining at the field level. Shahriar Sajjad, director of the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI), stated that new vaccines have arrived in preparation for a special vaccination campaign planned for mid-April, but securing funding for the campaign remains a challenge, with negotiations ongoing with Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance.
Beyond Measles: Complicating Factors and Vulnerable Populations
Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that can lead to serious complications, including pneumonia, diarrhea, ear infections, and, in severe cases, encephalitis (brain infection). Children under six months of age, those with underlying health conditions, and malnourished children are particularly vulnerable. Doctors are noting an unusual number of cases in infants younger than six months, a demographic typically protected by maternal antibodies. The disruption of regular Vitamin A and deworming campaigns last year, which are linked to children’s nutritional status, is also believed to be contributing to the increased severity of the outbreak.
The situation at hospitals reflects the severity of the crisis. At IDH, doctors report that almost all admitted patients are unvaccinated. Lima Akhter, the mother of eight-month-vintage Samir Ahmed Sarfaraz, brought her son to IDH after he developed a high fever and measles symptoms following treatment at a hospital in Tangail. ARM Sakhawat Hossain Khan, a consultant at IDH, emphasized the critical importance of vaccination in preventing the spread of the disease.
Government Response and Future Steps
The Bangladeshi government has taken steps to address the outbreak. Health Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Husain announced that the cabinet committee on government purchase approved a Tk 604 crore (approximately $5.7 million USD) proposal for procuring vaccines last week. All major hospitals have been instructed to open special wards for measles patients. However, the success of the planned vaccination campaign in mid-April hinges on securing adequate funding and ensuring logistical preparedness.
The National Technical Committee on Immunisation (NTCI) is scheduled to meet to finalize preparations for the campaign. The campaign is expected to begin before Eid-ul-Azha, a major religious festival, or shortly after, depending on funding availability. The coming weeks will be critical in containing the outbreak and protecting vulnerable children from this preventable disease.
Disclaimer: This article provides information about a public health issue. It is not intended to provide medical advice. Please consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.
The situation remains fluid, and further updates will be provided as they grow available. Readers are encouraged to share this information and discuss the importance of vaccination within their communities.
