Unhealthy living conditions, malnutrition, and inadequate healthcare in Bangladesh are leading to a surge in infections among children under five, with measles causing a significant impact. The country’s weak immunization and nutrition systems are leaving young children susceptible to life-threatening diseases, as highlighted in a report by The Daily Star. From March 2026 to June 30, suspected measles cases reached 1,01,077, resulting in 6,258 deaths.
Measles has resurfaced as a major public health concern in Bangladesh, contributing to the annual toll of 24,000 under-five deaths from pneumonia, with approximately 60 pneumonia-related deaths daily. The viral infection is highly transmissible, posing a greater risk to infants and undernourished children, leading to severe complications. National under-five mortality rates are around 33 per 1,000 live births, with higher rates observed among lower-income groups.
The report also points out a decline in vaccination coverage in recent years, with full vaccination coverage for children aged 12–23 months dropping from 83.9% in 2019 to 81.6% in 2023. While the BCG birth-dose rate remains high at over 98%, many children drop out before completing the vaccination schedule, missing the crucial second dose of the measles-rubella vaccine at 15 months.
Nutritional deficiencies and low breastfeeding rates further exacerbate the health risks for children in Bangladesh. Only about 56% of infants benefit from exclusive breastfeeding, depriving many of essential immune protection from colostrum and breast milk. Factors such as adolescent motherhood, inadequate maternity leave, and misconceptions contribute to this situation, along with the lack of availability of nutrient-rich foods for children.
Shortages of essential vaccination materials, including EPI cards and register books, have been reported, along with vaccine shortages, adding to the challenges faced by healthcare workers in ensuring adequate immunization coverage for children in Bangladesh.
