Health Officials Warn of Worst Measles Outbreak Since 2017 in Bangladesh

Dhaka, 6 September – A new wave of measles cases is being described by health experts as the most severe since 2017. The latest data shows 994 deaths linked to the disease, including three children who died overnight.

The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) recorded 1,043 new suspected cases in the last 24 hours, taking the total suspected count to 164,148. Confirmed cases rose by 55, reaching 19,696 across the country.

Since mid‑March, 144,168 patients have been admitted for suspected measles infections; 138,772 have been discharged after recovery.

Health Minister Sardar Mohammad Sakawat Hossain announced a nationwide vaccination effort slated to begin before September ends, after confirming an adequate supply of measles‑rubella vaccine.

A report from the Global Center for Democratic Governance (GCDG) highlighted that the outbreak could have been mitigated through consistent immunisation. The analysis points to disrupted vaccine supply chains, delayed procurement, and the cancellation of routine campaigns during the 2024‑2025 interim government as primary contributors.

UNICEF warnings about vaccine shortages were issued repeatedly between 2024 and 2026, yet the shift to an open tender process slowed acquisitions. Consequently, routine measles‑rubella coverage fell to 56.2 % in 2025 – the lowest level in eight years – creating a fertile environment for the virus to spread.