Bangladesh Launches Emergency Measles Vaccination Campaign

The Government of Bangladesh has launched an emergency measles-rubella vaccination campaign on April 5, 2026, in response to a fast-spreading measles outbreak. The public health initiative aims to protect more than 1.2 million children as the disease continues to spread across the country.

The campaign is being implemented with support from the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. The primary goal is to provide critical immunization to children aged 6 months to 5 years to curb the transmission of the virus.

Scope and Implementation of the Campaign

The emergency vaccination drive is currently targeting 30 upazilas located within 18 high-risk districts. These areas have been identified as priority zones due to the severity of the outbreak.

Health officials have designed the campaign for a phased expansion. Following the initial rollout in the high-risk districts, the vaccination efforts will gradually scale up to include additional districts and City Corporation areas.

Public Health Impact and Mortality

The urgency of the vaccination campaign is underscored by the significant loss of life associated with the outbreak. Reports indicate that a suspected measles outbreak has killed over 110 children in Bangladesh.

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that can lead to severe complications, particularly in young children. The rapid spread of the current outbreak necessitated the immediate intervention of the national government and international health partners.

International Support and Coordination

The collaboration between the Government of Bangladesh and international bodies is central to the delivery of the vaccines. UNICEF and WHO are providing technical and operational support, while Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, assists in ensuring the availability of the measles-rubella vaccines.

By targeting children as young as 6 months, the campaign seeks to close immunity gaps that allow the virus to circulate and cause fatal outbreaks in pediatric populations.