A worsening measles outbreak in Bangladesh has overwhelmed hospitals and claimed the lives of more than 500 children in just months.
More than 500 children with suspected and confirmed measles cases have died in Bangladesh since March, according to the country’s health ministry.
Health officials say suspected infections have now crossed 60,000, with hospitals in major cities struggling to cope with the growing number of sick children. International aid agencies, including UNICEF, warned that overcrowded hospitals and vaccine shortages have worsened the crisis.
Many parents say they were unable to access measles vaccines for their children due to supply shortages and delays. UNICEF said changes to vaccine procurement processes and disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic contributed to gaps in routine immunisation.
Bangladesh launched an emergency vaccination campaign in April, while doctors and nurses treating measles patients have had their Eid holiday leave cancelled to support the response effort.
Health experts also fear the Eid travel season could accelerate the spread of the highly contagious virus across the country.