DHAKA (Web Desk) - A severe measles outbreak in Bangladesh has claimed the lives of hundreds of children and pushed many families into financial hardship.
According to official health data, at least 844 children have died from the preventable disease since March 15, while more than 112,000 people have sought treatment at hospitals.
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society said nine out of every 10 families affected by measles were forced to borrow money to cover medical expenses.
IFRC Head in Dhaka Alberto Bocanegra said the impact of the health emergency does not end at the hospital door, as affected families continue to face severe financial difficulties. He said humanitarian assistance and a strong social protection system are essential during such public health emergencies.
Aid organisations assessed the conditions of 2,746 families who brought their children for treatment at 12 government medical centres. Although treatment is provided free of charge at public hospitals, related expenses rise quickly. The survey found that 35% of families needed financial assistance to buy medicines, while 22% required support for food.
Most affected families belong to low-income communities that rely on informal or daily wage jobs, with monthly incomes ranging from 48 to 160 US dollars (approximately Rs13,000 to Rs44,000).
According to the report, affected families spent an average of more than 130 US dollars on treatment and related expenses.
One survey participant, Hazera Khatun, said treatment at government hospitals is free, but families must bear other costs themselves. She said she had to pay nearly 200 US dollars for an ambulance to reach a hospital in Dhaka.
The report also noted that many parents and caregivers lost their jobs after spending extended periods in hospitals caring for sick children.
Bangladesh Red Crescent Society Secretary General Kabir M. Ashraf Alam said the findings show that many families are facing not only a medical crisis but also severe financial pressure.
Cause of the outbreak
Measles is a highly contagious disease that spreads rapidly through coughing and sneezing. There is no specific treatment once a person is infected, and complications can include brain inflammation and severe respiratory problems. While anyone can contract the disease, children are the most vulnerable.
A major gap in childhood vaccination emerged during and after anti-government protests and political unrest in 2024, leaving a large number of children unprotected against the disease.
Bangladesh, a country of around 170 million people, has launched a large-scale vaccination campaign to contain the outbreak. However, children continue to be infected and die from the disease.