Dhaka, June 5, 2026
Growing concerns over Bangladesh’s ongoing measles outbreak have prompted calls for an independent investigation and stronger international support to prevent further loss of life among children.
In an open letter addressed to international public health institutions, development partners, child rights organizations, and civil society networks, Prof. Dr. Md. Habibe Millat expressed deep concern over the outbreak, which has reportedly affected tens of thousands of children and caused numerous deaths and severe illnesses across the country.
The letter cited assessments by the World Health Organization (WHO), which identified declining measles-rubella vaccination coverage, immunity gaps among children, disruptions in vaccine supply during 2024–2025, and the absence of a planned nationwide supplementary immunization campaign as key factors behind the outbreak.
According to the statement, children under five account for the majority of reported infections, with infants and toddlers among the most vulnerable. Concerns were also raised over prolonged disruptions to routine immunization services, including the reported impact of a seven-month strike by community health workers.
The letter further highlighted vaccine procurement and program management challenges, alleging delays in decision-making and inadequate prioritization of measles prevention despite warnings from international partners regarding growing immunity gaps.
Prof. Millat urged global stakeholders to support an independent assessment of the outbreak, strengthen Bangladesh’s immunization system, improve vaccine supply chains, and assist efforts to identify and vaccinate missed or under-vaccinated children.
Describing the outbreak as both a public health emergency and a warning about weaknesses in health system performance, the letter called for greater transparency, accountability and evidence-based decision-making to prevent similar crises in the future.
