Unicef has said Bangladesh experienced a prolonged shortage of routine measles vaccines last year despite repeated warnings, adding that delays in vaccine supply worsened the situation despite at least 10 alerts issued to the government since 2024.

The information was shared at a press conference titled "Press Conference on Measles Outbreak Situation and Ongoing Response Efforts", held by Unicef Bangladesh Representative Rana Flowers Wednesday afternoon (20 May) at Unicef Bangladesh's JPG Conference Room in the capital.

According to Unicef, Bangladesh received 1.78 crore doses of measles vaccines between August and November 2025, only around one-third of the country's total requirement.

Although Bangladesh requires nearly 7 crore doses annually, routine immunisation efforts remained disrupted for an extended period due to insufficient supply, it added.

Unicef further said it had raised concerns over the vaccine shortage in at least 10 meetings with the government since 2024, alongside sending five to six formal letters. Both the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs were informed about the issue.

Unicef stated, "The prolonged disruption in routine immunisation left many children without vaccination coverage, increasing the risk of measles transmission and contributing to a large-scale outbreak." Unicef also clarified that the shortage was not caused by a lack of funds, but rather by delays in procurement processes that hindered the timely acquisition of vaccines.

However, the situation has recently improved, with measles vaccines arriving again in May, said Rana Flowers during the press briefing. The government and development partners are now focusing on speeding up vaccination, reaching high-risk children, and strengthening surveillance, she added.