Mirpur: Following a nationwide surge in measles cases in Bangladesh, M©decins Sans Fronti¨res (MSF) has increased its medical response in Cox’s Bazar. MSF teams are providing care to affected children from Rohingya refugee camps and surrounding host communities, while also supporting an ongoing vaccination campaign.
According to United News of Bangladesh, health sector data reveals more than 330 suspected and 40 laboratory-confirmed measles cases have been recorded in the camps, including three associated deaths. In neighbouring host communities, nearly 160 suspected cases have been reported. Since January 2026, measles cases have risen sharply across Bangladesh, affecting nearly all 64 districts.
Cox’s Bazar, home to more than 1.2 million Rohingya refugees in the world’s largest refugee settlement, is among the most at-risk areas. Overcrowded and precarious living conditions increase the likelihood of rapid transmission and complications among an already vulnerable population. Mieke Steenssens, MSF Country Medical Coordinator, noted a sharp increase in cases from March, accelerating further in April, with most patients being children under five.
In April alone, MSF treated 284 measles patients across its facilities in Cox’s Bazar-four times the number treated during the first three months of the year combined. Of these, 82 required inpatient care due to the severity of their condition. On 19 April, MSF opened a new isolation unit in Jamtoli camp, already at full capacity, with plans to double its bed capacity.
The proportion of severe cases is concerning. At Goyalmara Mother and Children Hospital, 40 per cent of patients with measles required inpatient care, with some needing intensive care. At Kutupalong Hospital, 15 of 71 patients admitted over a 20-day period required hospitalisation.
Extremely harsh living conditions in the camps increase the risk of complications and comorbidities among Rohingya children. Low vaccination coverage in both the camps and surrounding communities remains a major concern. Among patients with confirmed measles cases in the camps, around three-quarters were unvaccinated, and the proportion of unvaccinated children in host communities is also very concerning.
Given the urgency to curb the outbreak, MSF teams are supporting the vaccination campaign launched by health authorities in Rohingya camps on 26 April. Acting swiftly is vital as measles is highly contagious, transmitted through respiratory droplets, and can lead to severe complications, particularly in overcrowded settings with limited access to healthcare.
The disease is preventable with two doses of a safe, low-cost, and highly effective vaccine. However, preventing outbreaks requires at least 95 per cent vaccination coverage. As evidenced, coverage remains too low in both the camps and surrounding communities. Alongside reactive mass vaccination campaigns, sustained investment in routine immunisation programmes is essential.