Bangladesh’s deadliest measles outbreak in decades, which has killed hundreds of children, has had a crippling economic impact on families, aid groups warned Monday.
At least 844 children have died and more than 112,000 people have sought hospital treatment for the preventable disease since March 15, according to health department figures.
Nine out of 10 families affected by measles were forced to borrow to cover medical expenses, according to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society.
“The effects of this measles health emergency do not end at the hospital door, as families often face severe financial hardship,” said the IFRC chief in Dhaka, Alberto Bocanegra.
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