The campaign, led by the health ministry with support from UNICEF, the World Health Organization and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, has been rolled out across 18 high-risk districts, according to a joint statement.

Government data shows 17 confirmed deaths linked to measles so far, alongside 113 suspected fatalities and more than 7,500 suspected infections across the country. The outbreak has now spread to 56 of Bangladesh’s 64 districts, raising concerns over further transmission.

Authorities said the vaccination drive is prioritising children aged between six months and five years, particularly those who missed routine immunisation and are at higher risk of severe complications. Health officials described the campaign as a critical intervention to address immunity gaps exposed by the surge in infections.

UNICEF representative Rana Flowers said the agency was alarmed by the sharp rise in cases, warning that thousands of children, especially the youngest and most vulnerable, face heightened risk.

She said the resurgence underscored significant gaps in population immunity.Hospitals in several high-burden areas are operating beyond capacity, with limited resources to manage the influx of patients, officials said, adding to concerns about the outbreak’s trajectory.

The World Health Organization said the outbreak is likely to continue spreading in the coming days but could be brought under control following the large-scale vaccination effort. WHO representative Dr Ahmed Jamsheed Mohamed said the campaign would be key to preventing further child deaths.

Officials said the emergency drive is intended to complement existing routine immunisation programmes as authorities work to contain the outbreak and stabilise public health conditions.