Bangladesh Measles Crisis Deepens as Child Deaths Reach 488

A measles outbreak continues to ravage Bangladesh, claiming seven more young lives in just one day and bringing the total number of child deaths to 488 since 15 March. Health authorities say four of these recent deaths are suspected measles cases, while three were confirmed through lab testing. Chittagong has emerged as the hardest-hit area, accounting for the majority of the latest fatalities. Since the outbreak began, 405 suspected and 83 confirmed deaths have been logged. The total of suspected cases has now reached 59,279 after 1,423 new reports, and confirmed infections stand at 8,275 following 208 additional positive results. Hospitals have treated 46,407 suspected patients, with 42,336 recoveries recorded so far. UNICEF has stated that it alerted the former interim government led by Muhammad Yunus about looming vaccine shortages as early as 2024. The agency sent five to six official letters and raised concerns in ten separate meetings, yet no vaccine orders were placed. UNICEF’s country representative noted that even a high-level visit by its deputy executive director in August last year failed to prompt action.