Bangladesh rolls out measles vaccine drive as child death toll rises

Bangladesh on Sunday launched a nationwide immunization campaign to contain a suspected measles outbreak that has killed more than 100 children since mid-March.

The surge marks the worst measles crisis in Bangladesh in nearly two decades, driven by a rise in unvaccinated infants. Authorities, in partnership with the United Nations, began an emergency measles-rubella vaccination drive targeting children across the country.

Health officials said the campaign will initially focus on children aged six months to five years in high-risk districts before expanding nationwide. The outbreak has been linked to declining vaccination rates and gaps in immunization coverage in vulnerable areas. Experts warn that at least 95% vaccination coverage is required to stop the spread of the highly contagious airborne disease.