Take measures to rebuild routine immunisation systems
A concerning measles outbreak is unfolding across the country, with 206 reported deaths between 15 March and 16 April – including 34 confirmed through laboratory testing and 172 classified as suspected cases, according to a report published in The New Nation on Friday. Alongside these fatalities, more than 20,000 suspected infections and over 3,000 confirmed cases have placed significant pressure on the nation’s healthcare system.
In the preceding 24 hours, the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) recorded 1,191 new suspected cases.
Hospitals have admitted over 13,000 patients during the outbreak, with more than 10,000 recoveries reported. Despite these recoveries, many facilities remain under considerable strain, with paediatric wards in particular experiencing high demand.
Doctors report that many children are arriving at hospitals in advanced stages of illness, often with complications that make treatment more difficult.
Families describe delays in accessing care, with some moving between hospitals in search of available beds. Urban centres, including Dhaka, appear to be the most affected, where healthcare services are under sustained pressure.
Public health experts point to gaps in routine immunisation as a key factor behind the outbreak. Measles vaccinations, typically administered from nine months of age, were disrupted during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mass immunisation campaigns and complementary programmes, such as Vitamin A supplementation, were also paused. In addition, underlying issues such as child malnutrition may have increased vulnerability to infection and contributed to the spread of the disease.
The government has begun expanding vaccination efforts in response. However, challenges remain in ensuring consistent and equitable delivery across both urban and rural areas.
Health officials acknowledge that hospitals continue to face high demand, highlighting long-standing constraints in resources and capacity within the public health system.
Addressing the outbreak will require a coordinated and sustained response. Expanding vaccination coverage – particularly in high-risk areas – is essential.
Strengthening community-based surveillance could help identify cases earlier and limit transmission. At the same time, increasing support for healthcare facilities, including paediatric care, and improving access to affordable treatment will be important.
The situation also underlines the need to restore and maintain routine immunisation programmes and nutrition initiatives. Ensuring high vaccination coverage remains one of the most effective ways to prevent outbreaks of this kind.
The country has made notable progress in public health over recent decades. However, responding effectively to the current outbreak will be critical to sustaining those gains and protecting vulnerable populations, particularly children.
