Independent review blames vaccination gaps for Bangladesh measles outbreak

A joint independent review team has found that Bangladesh failed to vaccinate children, leaving depleted stocks of measles-rubella vaccines and delays in a special campaign behind the country's measles outbreak. The team, made up of WHO, UNICEF, Gavi, health ministry officials and public health experts, said the government's response was inadequate.

The World Health Organization reported 202,000 suspected measles cases from mid-March to October 9, with 22,000 laboratory-confirmed. So far, 1,147 people have died, and 94 percent of reported deaths were among children under five.

“This is a real warning to every country.”

The review involved 70 experts organized into nine subteams who began work on October 3. They visited vaccination centers, interviewed mothers, and collected data from schools and households across eight divisions.

Experts warned that outbreaks of whooping cough and diphtheria could occur unless urgent action is taken. They recommended fixing local vaccination planning, filling vacant workforce positions, and ensuring an uninterrupted vaccine supply.

The findings were presented at a workshop in the capital on Wednesday. Katrina Kretsinger, head of the review team, said the outbreak was a clear warning and that Bangladesh would find it difficult to maintain its vaccination achievements and reputation.