Dhaka: The European Union (EU) is allocating £175,000 in humanitarian funding to bolster efforts aimed at preventing measles in Bangladesh. This initiative is set to benefit communities across several regions, including Barisal, Chittagong, Dhaka, Khulna, Rajshahi, Sylhet, Rangpur, and Mymensingh.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the EU’s financial support will be channeled through the Bangladesh Red Crescent to enhance ongoing vaccination campaigns and implement additional preventive measures, such as distributing hygiene kits. Furthermore, the most vulnerable families will receive cash grants to assist with illness-related expenses, including transportation to health centers and compensation for lost income due to caregiving responsibilities. The initiative also anticipates the provision of medical equipment to healthcare facilities.
This funding forms part of the EU’s broader contribution to the Disaster Response Emergency Fund (DREF) of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). The EU has established itself as a principal humanitarian donor in Bangladesh, having earmarked over £23 million in 2026 for humanitarian partners in the country.
In addition, £16.4 million of the EU’s humanitarian aid is designated to offer life-saving assistance to Rohingya refugees, predominantly located in Cox’s Bazar, as well as to the host communities. Simultaneously, £7 million is allocated to bolster disaster preparedness, disaster risk reduction, and resilience-building initiatives across Bangladesh.
The EU, along with its Member States, stands as the global leader in humanitarian aid donations. This relief effort exemplifies European solidarity, aiming to save lives, reduce human suffering, and preserve the dignity of populations affected by both natural and man-made crises.
The EU has also entered into a £12 million humanitarian delegation agreement with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) to support the Federation’s Disaster Response Emergency Fund (DREF).