Bangladesh is grappling with one of its deadliest measles outbreaks in recent decades, resulting in the deaths of at least 844 children and over 112,000 people seeking hospital treatment since mid-March, according to government health data. Aid organizations have highlighted the significant financial strain the epidemic has placed on affected families, many of whom have been driven into debt.

An assessment by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society, covering 2,746 families across 12 government health facilities, found that nine out of ten families dealing with measles-related care had to borrow money to cover costs associated with the illness. Although hospital treatment is provided free of charge, considerable expenses arise from related needs. About 35% of families surveyed required financial aid for medicines, while 22% sought food assistance.

The economic impact is particularly acute among poorer communities, where many families rely on informal employment earning between $48 and $160 per month. The average out-of-pocket expenditure for treatment and associated costs exceeded $130, placing a significant burden on household finances. Hazera Khatun, one of the families surveyed, reported spending approximately $200 on ambulance services to transport her child to a hospital in Dhaka. Additionally, many caregivers have lost income due to the need to stay extended periods in hospitals with their sick children.

“The effects of this measles health emergency do not end at the hospital door, as families often face severe financial hardship,” said Alberto Bocanegra, IFRC chief in Dhaka. Kabir M Ashraf Alam, secretary-general of the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society, echoed these concerns, emphasizing that the crisis presents both a public health emergency and an economic challenge for many families.

Measles, a highly contagious viral disease spread through respiratory droplets, predominantly affects children. The illness lacks specific treatment, and complications can include brain swelling and severe respiratory issues. Bangladesh’s immunization gaps, exacerbated by disruptions during and after a 2024 anti-government uprising, have left many children vulnerable.

In response, Bangladesh has launched a mass vaccination campaign to contain the outbreak. Despite these efforts, new infections and deaths continue to be reported, with four suspected measles-related child deaths occurring on a single recent day. The ongoing crisis underscores the need for enhanced vaccination coverage and strengthened social support systems to protect vulnerable populations from the health and economic repercussions of preventable diseases.