Bangladesh has launched an emergency measles-rubella vaccination drive in response to an ongoing outbreak that has killed over 100 children in less than a month.
The government, in partnership with the World Health Organisation, UNICEF, and Gavi, is vaccinating children aged 6 months to 5 years old in 18 high-risk districts, with plans to expand nationwide in phases.
UNICEF has expressed concern over the sharp rise in cases, particularly among zero-dose and under-vaccinated children, and infections among infants under nine months.
More than 900 cases of measles have been confirmed among 7,500 suspected cases reported since March 15, with the disease causing fever, respiratory symptoms, and a characteristic rash.
Vaccination is crucial to preventing the spread of measles, but the WHO says 95% of the population must be vaccinated to stop the disease from spreading.
