Measles Toll in Bangladesh Reaches 555 Kids Amid Vaccine Push

A fast-moving measles outbreak in Bangladesh has left 555 children dead, with health authorities reporting ten new fatalities within a single day. The Directorate General of Health Services noted that one death was laboratory-confirmed, while nine remained classified as suspected. Dhaka division continues to record the highest number of suspected fatalities. Fresh data shows 1,083 new suspected cases and 53 newly confirmed infections, elevating totals to 66,023 suspected and 8,772 confirmed. Hospital records indicate 52,530 children have been admitted since mid-March, with 48,800 recoveries logged so far. To contain the spread, an emergency measles-rubella immunization campaign began last month, aiming to vaccinate 18 million young children. The effort involves collaboration between the health ministry, WHO, UNICEF, and Gavi. The health minister expressed cautious optimism that the drive will soon bring case numbers down. UNICEF officials revealed they had sent five to six formal alerts and held ten meetings with interim government leaders, stressing that vaccine shortfalls could trigger a major public-health emergency. Despite those warnings, action lagged, allowing the outbreak to escalate.