Failure to contain measles risks major diphtheria, whooping cough and polio outbreaks in Bangladesh, experts warn

Experts have warned that the ongoing measles situation in Bangladesh points to weaknesses in the country's immunisation system. Without urgent action, they fear major outbreaks of other deadly diseases such as diphtheria, whooping cough and polio alongside measles.

The warning came in a report obtained by the AFP news agency on Monday. An independent committee of national and international experts conducted research at the start of this October, prepared the report and later submitted it to the government.

The report said the measles outbreak is a test and a warning sign of the deterioration of the immunisation system. It added that unless steps are taken quickly to reduce the risk, major outbreaks of whooping cough, diphtheria and vaccine-derived poliovirus are only a matter of time.

According to the Directorate General of Health Services, efforts have been under way since last March to bring the measles outbreak in Bangladesh under control. In that period more than 1,200 children have died from the disease and 220,000 people have been infected. It is the deadliest measles situation in the country in several decades.

On Monday, the health ministry assured quick action. Ministry spokesman Zahid Raihan said vaccinators would be recruited as quickly as possible as the first step in implementing the recommendations.

With support from the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, the Gavi vaccine alliance and other partner organisations, the government formed a 70-member team at the start of this month. The team evaluated the country's immunisation programme.

The evaluation found that only 82 percent of children in the country have received full vaccination, far below the national target of 95 percent. In addition, around 40 percent of vaccinator posts are vacant.

After the immunisation programme began in 1979, Bangladesh once became an example of success in this field. The country has eliminated polio and neonatal tetanus and has also made progress in controlling rubella and hepatitis B.

However, the planned measles vaccination programme fell behind in 2024 because of political change. In 2025 the programme was further disrupted by strikes and political instability. A nationwide mass vaccination programme was later launched, but the number of infections is still rising.

Measles spreads rapidly through sneezing and coughing and there is no specific treatment for the disease. Its complications can include inflammation of the brain and breathing difficulties, and children are at the greatest risk.

Whooping cough, meanwhile, can cause serious illness and death in children. Diphtheria can block the airway as well as damage the heart and nerves. And vaccine-derived poliovirus can spread among populations outside vaccination coverage, creating a risk of paralysis.