Bangladesh measles outbreak claims over 700 child lives

Bangladesh’s measles epidemic has surged, with the health ministry reporting that the combined tally of suspected and confirmed child deaths reached 709 by June 27, 2024. In the 24 hours preceding that report, seven children died, adding to nine child deaths recorded two days earlier. Over the same period, 744 new suspected cases were logged, bringing the national total of suspected measles patients to 98,266, while laboratory‑confirmed infections climbed to 11,594.

The Directorate General of Health Services emphasised that vaccination, surveillance and treatment are being intensified. Health Minister Sardar Mohammad Sakawat Husain reiterated the government’s priority to expand immunisation coverage, improve public awareness and address gaps that hinder vaccine uptake. Despite these efforts, the outbreak continues to strain hospitals, with dozens of children currently under treatment and many recovering and discharged after hospitalization since the start of the campaign in April.