Uganda, Bangladesh, and India launch vaccination drives amid measles outbreaks

Multiple countries are launching urgent vaccination campaigns to combat rising measles outbreaks and address immunity gaps.

In Bangladesh, the government has initiated a nationwide measles-rubella vaccination campaign targeting 3.4 million children aged 6 to 59 months. This follows a severe outbreak that has resulted in over 1,000 deaths and tens of thousands of infections since March. Health officials noted that the outbreak was exacerbated by disruptions in routine immunization caused by political turmoil and vaccine procurement issues.

Uganda is also preparing a five-day nationwide campaign scheduled for October 2026, aiming to vaccinate approximately 7.47 million children. The ministry of Health intends to target all children aged nine to 59 months to close immunity gaps, as national coverage for the second measles-rubella dose has fallen to 64 per cent. Recent data in Uganda shows 66 districts recorded confirmed outbreaks in 2025, resulting in over 60 deaths.

In India, the Malappuram district in Kerala is facing concerns following the deaths of two children from measles within a week. Local authorities are investigating low coverage of the two-dose measles-rubella vaccine, with some areas reporting that as few as 52 per cent of children have completed the full course.