Bangladesh measles outbreak kills at least 38 children in 2026, driven by vaccine gaps and malnutrition

Key facts

• Bangladesh is facing a worsening measles outbreak that has claimed at least 38 children this year.
• Health officials reported that 21 of the deaths occurred in March alone, though the actual toll could be higher due to incomplete reporting.
• The outbreak has spread across multiple districts including Dhaka, Mymensingh, Rajshahi and Chattogram.
• Health Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Husain stated that no measles vaccinations have been administered in the country over the past eight years.
• Health experts warn that declining vaccination rates, vaccine shortages, and malnutrition are fuelling the surge in fatalities.