Bangladesh measles toll nears grim 1,000-child mark
Bangladesh is facing a severe measles outbreak that has resulted in nearly 1,000 child deaths and over 180,000 cases since March. Hospitals are currently overwhelmed, and the government has launched a mass vaccination campaign to address immunity gaps caused by recent political instability.
Why it matters
The crisis underscores the critical impact of political instability on public health infrastructure and the urgent need for immunization in vulnerable populations.
A child receiving treatment for measles at Bangladesh’s Shishu Hospital in Dhaka on Sept 3.
Listen Summarise Bangladesh's measles outbreak has caused nearly 1,000 child deaths and over 180,000 suspected and confirmed cases since March, overwhelming hospitals. Many children arrive critically ill, often with malnutrition, making treatment difficult despite intensive care and oxygen support. Vaccination campaigns were delayed by political instability, but a mass drive is underway to close immunity gaps and control the spread. AI generated
DHAKA – Bangladesh’s deadliest measles outbreak in decades is nearing the grim milestone of 1,000 child deaths, as a devastating epidemic sweeps through the country and crowded hospital wards fill with struggling babies.
Cries of sick children and the hiss of oxygen machines fill the air at Dhaka’s Shishu Hospital, where Rima Akter keeps a vigil beside her nine-month-old son.
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