As measles cases continue to rise across Bangladesh, public health experts are warning of a broader threat—the potential resurgence of multiple vaccine-preventable diseases among children due to gaps in immunisation coverage.
They caution that thousands of children may now be vulnerable not only to measles but also to diseases such as polio, diphtheria, hepatitis B and whooping cough—many of which had previously been brought under control.
Health officials say the current outbreak reflects declining vaccination coverage and disruptions in routine immunisation programmes in recent years.
Bangladesh’s measles prevention strategy relies on routine immunisation, including two doses of the Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccine at nine and 15 months, as well as periodic nationwide campaigns targeting children up to 10 years of age.
However, disruptions and gaps in vaccination activities in 2024 and 2025 have left a significant number of children unprotected.
Experts stress that herd immunity must remain above 95% to prevent outbreaks.
“Once coverage falls below that level, diseases begin to spread,” said Prof Dr Mirza Md Ziaul Islam of Bangladesh Shishu Hospital and Institute.
He also noted that vaccine hesitancy has increased since the Covid-19 pandemic, with misinformation discouraging some parents from vaccinating their children.
Risk of multiple outbreaks
Public health experts warn that measles may be only the beginning.
Dr Md Reaz Mubarok, head of Epidemiology at Bangladesh Shishu Hospital, said many children missed critical vaccine doses during recent disruptions.
“As a result, the risk of outbreaks of other vaccine-preventable diseases has increased,” he said, citing polio, diphtheria, pertussis, hepatitis B and Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib).
He added that measles itself weakens immunity, making children more susceptible to secondary infections such as pneumonia and diarrhoea—often the primary causes of death.
Since March 15, more than 12,000 suspected measles cases have been reported nationwide, with infections continuing to rise.
According to Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) data, 1,187 suspected cases and 642 confirmed infections were recorded in the last 24 hours alone, along with multiple deaths.
Hospitals are also reporting a rise in related illnesses, placing additional strain on the healthcare system.
Urgent need for action
Experts say immediate catch-up vaccination campaigns are essential to close immunity gaps.
Under Bangladesh’s Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI), children are entitled to free vaccines against major diseases, but missed doses and disrupted campaigns have weakened coverage.
They also warn that evolving disease patterns and rising antibiotic resistance are making infections harder to treat.
“Measles is a warning sign,” said Dr Mubarok. “If we fail to act now, other diseases may follow.”
Health officials emphasise that restoring routine immunisation, ensuring uninterrupted vaccine supply and rebuilding public confidence must now be treated as urgent priorities.