Bangladesh launches a nationwide measles-rubella vaccination campaign for 3.4 million missed children as the combined death toll reaches 1,044.
Dhaka: Bangladesh is facing a serious measles outbreak, with the combined number of confirmed and suspected measles-related deaths reaching 1,044, according to the latest figures from the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).
The death toll includes 100 laboratory-confirmed measles deaths and 944 deaths among people who died with measles-like symptoms since March 15. Eight more children died with measles-like symptoms during the 24 hours before the September 16 update.
At the same time, health authorities have launched another nationwide Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccination campaign to reach children who were missed during the earlier vaccination drive.
Measles Outbreak Continues Across Bangladesh
The DGHS reported 175,198 suspected measles cases and 20,282 laboratory-confirmed cases between March 15 and September 16.
The outbreak has also placed significant pressure on hospitals. More than 154,000 patients with suspected measles had been hospitalized during the period, while 148,465 had recovered and been discharged.
The latest figures underline the continuing scale of the outbreak and the importance of identifying children who remain unprotected against measles.
Measles is highly contagious and can cause serious complications, particularly among young children. The World Health Organization says vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent measles and reduce transmission.
Nationwide Vaccination Campaign Targets 3.4 Million Children
Bangladesh launched a special nationwide Measles-Rubella vaccination campaign on September 26, targeting approximately 3.4 million children who were missed during the previous campaign.
The campaign is aimed at children aged 6 months to 59 months and is scheduled to continue until October 31. Health authorities are maintaining the routine immunization programme alongside the special campaign.
Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Hussain said an additional one million vaccine doses would be kept in reserve for emergencies.
The government said the children targeted in the new campaign had missed vaccination during the earlier nationwide effort. The latest initiative is therefore focused on closing remaining immunization gaps among young children.
Bangladesh had already conducted a large measles-rubella vaccination effort earlier in 2026 as health authorities responded to the outbreak.
The renewed campaign comes as the country continues to record new suspected and confirmed cases. The government is seeking to reach children who were not vaccinated during previous rounds and strengthen protection against further transmission.
The scale of the outbreak has highlighted the importance of maintaining high vaccination coverage and ensuring that children who missed earlier doses are reached through catch-up campaigns.
With the Bangladesh measles outbreak continuing, health authorities are monitoring new cases and hospital admissions while expanding vaccination efforts across the country.
