Bangladesh is confronting its largest recorded measles outbreak, with more than 166,000 suspected cases and 19,835 laboratory-confirmed infections reported since the outbreak began in March. Health Ministry data have linked the outbreak to 999 deaths, including 100 confirmed measles fatalities, while more than 146,000 suspected patients have been hospitalized. The outbreak has emerged after disruptions to routine immunization during 2024 and 2025, when political instability affected vaccination programs and vaccine availability.

Health officials have attributed the situation to missed vaccinations, supply shortages, weaker program oversight, and changes in vaccine procurement policies. The impact has been particularly pronounced among young children. Under-fives accounted for approximately 80% of cases during the early stages of the outbreak, while infants younger than nine months face…