Bangladesh is facing the world’s worst measles outbreak this year, with over 2.02 lakh suspected cases and 1,147 deaths reported since mid-March, according to a report citing World Health Organization (WHO) data.

 

Children under five account for 94 per cent of the reported fatalities, with experts attributing the crisis to declining immunisation coverage, gaps in health data and inadequate outreach.

 

As per the media reports, around 22,000 cases have been laboratory-confirmed. WHO and UNICEF estimates indicate that measles vaccination coverage in Bangladesh fell to 90 per cent for the first dose and 86 per cent for the second dose in 2025, below the 95 per cent threshold recommended to prevent outbreaks.

 

The crisis has been compounded by unregistered children, staff shortages and weaknesses in emergency response. Health experts have urged the government to strengthen routine immunisation, improve health data systems and expand vaccination drives to children above five years of age.