Bangladesh Measles - DREF Operation Update (MDRBD039)

Countries: Bangladesh, Myanmar Source: International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies Please refer to the attached file. Description of the Event Date when the trigger was met 04-05-2026 What happened, where and when? Since 15 March 2026 to 4 May 2026, a cumulative total of 41,793 suspected measles cases has been reported nationwide. During the most recent 24-hour reporting period, 1,302 cases were recorded. In the current surge situation, all suspected cases are considered as measles cases and treated accordingly. A total of 5,567 laboratory confirmed measles cases have been reported since mid March 2026. Hospital surveillance data indicate 28,842 cumulative admissions for measles, during the same period. According to the latest EPI coverage evaluation data (2023), national coverage for the first and second doses of the measles–rubella (MR) vaccine stands at 86.1% and 80.7%, respectively. This leaves a substantial proportion of children unvaccinated. Over time, the accumulation of unvaccinated children across successive birth cohorts—typically over four to five years; creates a large pool of susceptible children, increasing the risk of measles outbreaks. In the ongoing nationwide MR vaccination campaign, the Government set an ambitious target coverage of 99.25%. However, current administrative coverage has reached only 60.57%. In response to this shortfall, the Government has decided to extend the campaign, revising the end date from 10–12 May 2026 to 20 May 2026 to allow additional time for catch-up activities. As of 29 April 2026, according to EPI and DGHS data, several districts are reporting particularly low coverage, with less than 50% of the target population reached. These include Brahmanbaria (37.13%), Manikganj (38.27%), Noakha...

Original source: Relief Web