Bangladesh Vaccinates 1.4 Million Children; 17 Killed in Israeli Strikes on Southern Lebanon

Dhaka, Bangladesh (Substrate) -- Afrida, 32, brought her children Ohran, aged 2, and Anika, aged 5, to Ma O Shishu Shastho Hospital in Mohammadpur, west Dhaka, for emergency measles vaccinations amid a spreading outbreak. "The situation is dangerous. Bangladesh is heavily affected, and I was very scared for my children," she said.

The measles outbreak has reached 58 of Bangladesh's 64 districts as of 18 April 2026, with more than 22,400 suspected cases and 3,278 confirmed infections recorded. Young children between the ages of 6 months and five years are most affected, and 178 suspected deaths have occurred, largely among un- and under-vaccinated children below two years of age.

WHO has classified the outbreak as a Grade 2 emergency.

The Bangladesh Ministry of Health and Family Welfare launched an emergency measles–rubella vaccination campaign on 5 April 2026, following a sharp rise in cases through March. The drive targets children aged 6 months to 5 years, regardless of prior vaccination status, and began in 30 high-risk upazilas across 18 districts.

WHO and partners are supporting the effort to reach 18 million children, including over 180,000 in Cox’s Bazar.

4 million children are expected to be reached. The campaign expanded nationwide on 20 April 2026, covering all remaining districts. At the hospital, families moved through a crowded vaccination hall, with children receiving shots and parents departing with relief.

"Measles is one of the most contagious diseases," said Dr. Jahangir Alam, WHO’s Divisional Coordinator for Dhaka. "Even small gaps in immunization coverage can trigger outbreaks. " Alam spoke from one of the most affected divisions, where immunization gaps have fueled the spread.

Health workers expressed personal stakes in the response. "When I heard about the measles outbreak, it was heartbreaking to see so many children affected," said Md. Faruk Reza, a vaccinator and health professional at Ma O Shishu Shastho Hospital.

"Now, I feel proud to be part of this effort, protecting children one by one and helping to stop the spread. " WHO's support includes training and field assistance for workers like Reza, bolstered by a network of Surveillance Immunization Medical Officers. These officers investigate cases, strengthen surveillance, and monitor vaccination coverage in real time.

"This level of emergency response allows WHO to rapidly scale up technical and operational support, working closely with national authorities and partners," said Dr. Anthony Eshofonie, WHO Team Lead for Health Emergencies in Bangladesh.

The campaign addresses immediate needs while aiming to fortify routine immunization. "Bangladesh has reduced under-five mortality from 36 per 1000 live births in 2015 to 33 in 2025, but progress must accelerate to reach the SDG target of 25," said Dr. Ahmed Jamsheed Mohamed, WHO Representative to Bangladesh.

He stated the drive is critical to meeting response needs and strengthening systems for equitable coverage that reaches every child. At the hospital, Muniruzzaman, Assistant Director of the administration, oversaw the flow of families. "We hope that our expert personnel will deliver a successful outcome for the campaign," he said.

After vaccination, Afrida sat with Ohran resting in her arms and Anika by her side. "I was very worried before," she said. " In southern Lebanon, Israeli strikes killed 17 people, including two children, on Thursday, according to Lebanon's health ministry.

The attacks wounded 35 people, including nine children and eight women. At least 15 people were killed in the strikes, with local media suggesting the toll could exceed 30, though that figure remains unconfirmed. Hezbollah carried out attacks on Israeli forces in southern Lebanon, including a drone strike targeting soldiers in the Bint Jbeil district.

The Israeli military issued evacuation warnings for 15 villages in the area on Thursday. The strikes occurred despite a ceasefire announced on 16 April 2026 after direct talks between Lebanese and Israeli ambassadors in Washington.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun criticised continuing Israeli violations of the truce. He said strikes and demolitions of homes and places of worship were ongoing despite the ceasefire. "Pressure must be exerted on Israel to ensure it respects international laws and conventions, and ceases targeting civilians, paramedics, civil defence and humanitarian organisations," Aoun said.

He condemned continued Israeli violations of the nearly two-week-old ceasefire. The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah started on 2 March 2026 after Hezbollah fired rockets into Israel. Israel responded with widespread air strikes and a ground invasion of southern Lebanon.

More than 2,500 people have been killed in Lebanon since early March 2026, including 103 health professionals, at least 270 women, and more than 170 children. S. embassy in Beirut called for a meeting between Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.