Measles returns to test health system resilience

Measles, a disease that is entirely preventable through vaccination, has re-emerged as a serious public health concern in Bangladesh, with a recent surge in infections among children exposing weaknesses in immunisation coverage and healthcare preparedness.

By late March 2026, more than 1,500 measles cases and at least 41 child deaths had been reported across the country, raising alarm among health authorities and the public.

The outbreak has spread across several regions, including Dhaka, Mymensingh, Rajshahi and Chattogram, with infants and young children the most affected.

Hospitals in the capital are already under pressure, with reports of paediatric patients being treated in corridors due to bed shortages and rising patient loads.

Health experts say the resurgence reflects a sharp decline in vaccination coverage in recent years.

Bangladesh’s routine immunisation programme had maintained relatively strong coverage between 2017 and 2023, helping to keep measles under control.

However, coverage dropped to 86.6 per cent in 2024 and fell further to 59.6 per cent in 2025, significantly weakening herd immunity.

As measles is highly contagious and requires at least 95 per cent vaccination coverage to prevent outbreaks, the current surge has come as a predictable outcome of declining immunisation rates.

Several factors have contributed to this situation. The Covid-19 pandemic disrupted routine healthcare services and led to missed vaccination opportunities, particularly in remote and underserved areas.

Weaknesses in field-level immunisation activities, procurement delays and temporary vaccine shortages have further compounded the problem.

Children aged between six months and three years have been particularly vulnerable, reflecting gaps in both coverage and timely vaccination.

In response, the government has launched a series of emergency measures to contain the outbreak.

A nationwide measles vaccination campaign is scheduled to begin in June 2026, targeting around 20 million children.

Tk 604 crore has been allocated for emergency vaccine procurement, while the National Immunisation Technical Advisory Committee has lowered the age for the first measles dose from nine months to six months to protect infants at higher risk.

Healthcare facilities are also being strengthened, with expanded intensive care capacity and dedicated treatment arrangements at key institutions, including the Infectious Diseases Hospital in Dhaka.

However, public health specialists stress that government initiatives alone will not be sufficient.

Community participation and public awareness remain essential for the success of immunisation efforts.

Parents must ensure that children receive vaccines on time, as delays significantly increase the risk of infection and complications.

Early recognition of symptoms — fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes and rash — should prompt immediate medical attention, while isolation of infected individuals and proper nutrition, including vitamin A supplementation, can help reduce severity and transmission.

Another challenge is misinformation and vaccine hesitancy, which continues to undermine immunisation campaigns.

Experts emphasise the need for clear communication and active engagement by healthcare workers and community leaders to counter myths and restore public confidence in vaccines.

The resurgence of measles serves as a warning that Bangladesh’s public health achievements cannot be taken for granted.

Sustained investment in routine immunisation, uninterrupted vaccine supply and strong field-level monitoring are essential to prevent future outbreaks.

With coordinated action from the government, healthcare providers and communities, Bangladesh can regain control over measles and protect the health of its children, ensuring that a preventable disease does not become a recurring national threat.