Measles Death Toll Tops 500 as Govt Boosts Response

Bangladesh’s measles outbreak has intensified, with more than 71,000 children receiving treatment for confirmed and suspected infections this year and the overall death toll climbing to 512, raising concerns among health experts and increasing pressure for stronger emergency measures.

As part of efforts to contain the outbreak and reduce complications among vulnerable children, the government has placed renewed emphasis on tackling vitamin A deficiency and approved the procurement of around 264 million International Units (IU) of vitamin A capsules. The procurement, supported by UNICEF, will cost approximately Tk14.71 crore.

The decision was approved by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs to ensure an uninterrupted supply of vitamin A supplements, which health officials say play a crucial role in reducing severe complications associated with measles.

Health authorities said the country plans to procure both 200,000 IU and 100,000 IU vitamin A capsules through direct procurement arrangements. Officials indicated that current stocks are being distributed among infected children and those considered most vulnerable.

According to health officials, around 224 million units of 200,000 IU capsules and another 40 million units of 100,000 IU capsules are expected to arrive by early June, after which authorities may consider launching a broader supplementation campaign.

Bangladesh has maintained vitamin A supplementation programmes for children since 1973 to combat blindness and malnutrition. Since 2003, the programme has been conducted through the National Vitamin A Plus Campaign, which also includes deworming initiatives.

Health experts say interruptions in vitamin A distribution and gaps in immunisation coverage may have increased children's vulnerability during the current outbreak.

Medical specialists noted that vitamin A deficiency and measles have a closely linked relationship. Measles infection can sharply reduce vitamin A levels in the body, and children already suffering from deficiency face a significantly greater risk of severe complications, including pneumonia, diarrhoea and malnutrition.

Doctors warn that malnourished children infected with measles may face mortality risks many times higher than healthier children.

Public health specialists have also expressed concern over the pace and scale of the national response.

They say the growing number of infections and deaths requires urgent coordinated action, including increased hospital capacity, expanded intensive care support, detailed death audits and stronger surveillance measures.

Experts also stressed the need to strengthen vaccination coverage, particularly in underserved communities and densely populated urban areas.

Bangladesh has already launched emergency measles-rubella vaccination campaigns targeting young children, while rapid response teams and surveillance measures have also been expanded.

Health experts cautioned that increased travel during the Eid period could further accelerate transmission, particularly among children already weakened by malnutrition or underlying health conditions.

Official data show that more than 62,500 suspected cases and over 8,400 laboratory-confirmed infections have been recorded since mid-March, with children under five remaining the most affected group.