EU provides €175,000 to support measles prevention efforts in Bangladesh

Funding will back vaccinations, medical supplies and cash aid for vulnerable families

The European Union is providing €175,000 in humanitarian funding to support Bangladesh's efforts to prevent measles.

Communities in Dhaka, Chattogram, Rajshahi, Khulna, Barishal, Sylhet, Rangpur and Mymensingh will benefit from the assistance.

In a statement, the EU said the funding would be channelled through the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society.

The organisation will use the money to sustain ongoing vaccination campaigns and carry out preventive measures, including the distribution of hygiene kits.

The most vulnerable families will also receive cash grants to help cover illness-related expenses, such as transport to health centres and loss of income while caring for sick relatives.

The programme also includes the delivery of essential medical equipment to healthcare facilities.

According to the statement, the funding forms part of the EU's overall contribution to the Disaster Response Emergency Fund (DREF) of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.

The European Union remains one of Bangladesh's leading humanitarian donors.

This year, the EU has already allocated more than €23 million for humanitarian partners operating in the country.

That includes €16.4 million in life-saving assistance for Rohingya refugees, most of whom are living in Cox's Bazar, as well as support for host communities.

A further €7 million has been earmarked to strengthen Bangladesh's disaster preparedness, disaster risk reduction and resilience efforts.