Govt moves to contain situation, takes necessary measures

Amid the ongoing crisis of measles outbreak in the country, the government is taking measures to contain the situation swiftly, claimed the health officials.

Bangladesh is witnessing a concerning rise in measles cases in several regions, with health authorities warning that the situation is evolving into a broader outbreak.

The recent increase in suspected and confirmed cases, along with reported child deaths showing measles-like symptoms, has underscored the urgency for immediate and coordinated action across the health sector.

Public health experts point out that this situation did not emerge overnight. Rather, it reflects a series of policy gaps and delayed decisions in recent years.

In particular, slow and ineffective vaccine procurement processes, lack of timely campaigns, and inadequate preparedness have contributed to the current vulnerability.

“The previous government’s inefficiency, inexperience, and failure to recognize the urgency of maintaining uninterrupted vaccine supply and immunisation coverage have played a significant role in creating the present crisis,” Public health expert Dr Ziauddin Hyder, a former World Bank senior health and nutrition specialist said.

He further said it is hopeful that said the current government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, has moved quickly to take control of the situation.

The health ministry sources said high-level consultations are already underway, involving key development partners including UNICEF, WHO, and the Asian Development Bank, alongside senior officials from the Ministry of Health.

A strategic coordination meeting has been planned today to assess the evolving situation and finalise immediate response measures, the sources added.

The officials noted that the government’s response is focused on several critical fronts. These include rapid procurement, shipment, and distribution of vaccines, particularly targeting underserved and high-risk areas alongside urgent steps to close existing immunity gaps.

At the same time, nationwide communication efforts are being strengthened to provide accurate information, reduce public anxiety, and counter misinformation, they added.

Talking to a policymaking level official of the government said clear clinical and operational protocols are needed for all health facilities to ensure proper management of suspected measles cases.

Recognising the need for stronger service readiness, efforts to expand hospital capacity, including establishing isolation arrangements and improving treatment readiness for affected children, he added.

Health experts emphasised that while the situation is concerning, it remains manageable with timely and coordinated action. The priority now is to reassure the public, strengthen frontline response, and prevent further spread.

As Bangladesh confronts this challenge, the focus must remain on evidence-based decision-making, rapid execution, and collective responsibility.

With decisive leadership and coordinated efforts from the government, the country has the capacity to bring the outbreak under control and protect its children from preventable illness.

Health Services Division Secretary Kamruzzaman Chowdhury said on Tuesday that the outbreak was partly due to disruptions in vaccination during recent protests by healthcare workers. “Many children missed their doses during that period,” he said.

The secretary also said the government is taking all necessary measures to tackle the situation.

According to the Directorate General of Health Services, nearly 700 children have been diagnosed with measles in the first three months of this year. The figure marks a steep rise from nine cases during the same period last year to 64 cases in 2024.