(Bangladesh, 24th) According to official data released on the 23rd, Bangladesh has recently experienced a measles outbreak, resulting in the deaths of more than 500 children, marking the country's most severe and deadly outbreak of a preventable disease in decades.
Measles is highly contagious and can spread rapidly through coughing and sneezing. Once infected, there is no specific treatment available. UNICEF stated on the 20th that, following the 2024 uprising which overthrew the authoritarian government, vaccination efforts in Bangladesh have stalled, leaving a large number of children unprotected.
Hospitals in the capital Dhaka have set up dedicated wards for patients, but they are overwhelmed and severely lacking in intensive care beds.
AFP reports that the number of measles deaths is still rising, with 13 children dying in just the past 24 hours. According to health department data, since March 15, the outbreak has claimed 512 lives.
Bangladesh has launched a large-scale vaccination campaign to curb the outbreak. UNICEF Bangladesh representative Mr. Flowers stated this week that 18 million children have already been vaccinated. However, health authorities indicate it may still take several months for the full effects of the vaccinations to become apparent.