Bangladesh Faces World's Worst Measles Outbreak Amid Vaccine Coverage Decline

Key summary

According to World Health Organization (WHO) data, Bangladesh is currently experiencing the most severe measles outbreak globally. Between mid-March and October 9, authorities identified 202,000 suspected cases, with laboratory tests confirming 22,000 of those infections. The crisis has resulted in 1,147 deaths, a figure where 94% of the victims are children under the age of five. Experts warn that this situation serves as a cautionary tale for other nations regarding the dangers of declining vaccination rates. Key obstacles hindering disease control include incomplete data, limited public access to healthcare, and gaps in vaccine distribution. While WHO states that preventing outbreaks requires at least 95% vaccine coverage, Bangladesh nearly reached this target in previous years but saw vaccination rates drop in 2025 (B.E. 2568), complicating outbreak management. A Reuters investigation involving document reviews and interviews with over 12 individuals, including scientists, medical staff, and officials, revealed significant flaws in Bangladesh's emergency response. These flaws encompass incomplete data covering millions of children, insufficient preparedness, and communication barriers that prevent reaching many parents. Mark Jit, a WHO vaccine advisor and professor at the global public health school of New York University, cautioned that every country should learn from this scenario because preventing outbreaks with vaccines is easier, cheaper, and safer than waiting for a crisis to occur before seeking solutions. He noted that while response measures can eventually end the outbreak, a large number of infections will occur along the way, leading to some deaths. Meanwhile, Special Assistant on Health Affairs Tarik Rahman's office, represented by Kalyani Chivapanich, stated that the government is taking every possible step to end the outbreak as reported in September.