Bangladesh has launched an emergency vaccination campaign targeting more than a million children as a fast‑spreading measles outbreak sweeps across the country. The campaign, led by the health ministry with support from UNICEF, the World Health Organization and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, began in 18 high-risk districts, according to a joint press release. The World Health Organization told Reuters that the outbreak, which now spans 56 of Bangladesh’s 64 districts, would continue to spread in the coming days, but would likely be curtailed soon after the vaccination campaign is rolled out. "This campaign will help prevent further tragic loss of young lives,” said Dr Ahmed Jamsheed Mohamed, the group's representative to Bangladesh. Officials said the emergency vaccination drive will complement routine immunisation efforts as authorities work to contain the outbreak.

Source: Otago Daily Times April 05, 2026 22:03 UTC