[Today's Prayer] Measles Outbreak in Bangladesh… More Than 1,000 Children Have Died

A measles outbreak in Bangladesh has resulted in the deaths of more than 1,000 children, and despite an emergency vaccination campaign, the number of cases is rising again, the BBC reported on the 17th.

More than 19.8 million children have already been vaccinated, but approximately 1,000 new suspected cases continue to be reported every day.

(Excerpt)

On the 15th alone, eight additional people suspected of having measles died.

UNICEF described the rapid increase in measles cases in Bangladesh, a country with a population of 178 million, as a “perfect storm” caused by several overlapping factors, including overcrowding and delays in routine vaccinations resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.

UNICEF previously claimed that the government of former interim leader Muhammad Yunus had delayed ordering vaccines last year, resulting in shortages.

(Excerpt)

Hospitals in Bangladesh have been overwhelmed by the outbreak. Public health expert Dr. Mushtuq Hussain told the BBC that the continued number of deaths shows that the initial emergency campaign was insufficient.

He said that as a result, too many children remain unprotected and that vaccines should have reached more regions and age groups.

Source: Newsis

“O God, You sent abundant rain; You refreshed Your weary inheritance. Your people settled in it, and from Your bounty, O God, You provided for the poor.” (Psalm 68:9-10)

Lord, we hear the news that more than 1,000 children in Bangladesh have lost their lives to measles, and that despite vaccination efforts, approximately 1,000 suspected measles cases are being reported every day.

Have mercy, Lord, on the people of Bangladesh who remain unprotected due to vaccine shortages caused by the delayed initial response of the Bangladeshi government, even as more people are becoming infected with suspected measles and losing their lives each day.

Let there be a swift response from the Bangladeshi government, and let neighboring countries lend their support so that vaccines may be supplied throughout Bangladesh.

Among the children of Bangladesh who are suffering from measles, come upon them with Your healing rays. Stop the spread of measles, and let every soul know that Jesus is protecting Bangladesh through the power of the cross.

Let the local churches in Bangladesh testify throughout the nation that when they are weary, You strengthen them through their prayers and allow them to dwell in Your presence. Let the global Church send medical missionaries who can help provide vaccines and carry out future hygiene and medical education, so that the people of Bangladesh may receive the blessings of God that He has already prepared for them.

Through the precious blood of Christ shed on the cross, let Bangladesh be healed and become a nation that proclaims Jesus to all peoples—the Jesus who heals and saves every nation, both in body and in spirit. Amen!