Desk News
A sharp rise in measles infections across Bangladesh has triggered widespread concern about the country’s public health system, particularly the effectiveness of its vaccination programs. In recent weeks, hospitals in the capital and multiple districts have reported a growing number of infected children, prompting urgent questions about healthcare preparedness and immunization coverage.
Amid this situation, Jatiya Party co-chair and social worker Shahidur Rahman Tapa has voiced deep concern over what he described as a serious lapse in the country’s measles vaccination efforts. In a video message shared on his verified Facebook page, Tapa criticized past administrations, alleging prolonged negligence in ensuring routine immunization for children. He claimed that for nearly eight years, children across the country had not been adequately vaccinated against measles, calling the situation a grave failure that has now put countless young lives at risk.
Tapa urged citizens from all sectors-regardless of political affiliation-to unite in addressing the crisis. He emphasized that safeguarding children’s health is a shared responsibility and called on the public, professionals, and policymakers to support efforts to procure vaccines and implement an effective nationwide immunization campaign. He also stressed the need for accountability, arguing that those responsible for lapses in healthcare delivery should be held answerable.
The concern comes as the newly formed government begins to take steps to address the outbreak. Health Minister Sardar Sakhawat Hossain Bakul recently acknowledged the severity of the situation during the inauguration of the International Pharmaceutical Industry Fair held at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center. He stated that no measles vaccines had been administered in the country for several years and announced that the government has allocated approximately 604 crore taka to combat the outbreak. According to the minister, efforts are already underway to procure vaccines on an urgent basis.
Public health guidelines in Bangladesh recommend that children receive their first dose of the measles vaccine at nine months of age and a second dose at 15 months. Additionally, supplementary immunization campaigns typically target children aged between nine months and ten years. However, health experts believe that gaps in the implementation of these programs in recent years have contributed significantly to the resurgence of the disease.
The outbreak has reportedly spread to at least 12 districts since the beginning of the year. Thousands of children have been infected, with dozens of fatalities reported. The situation is particularly severe in densely populated urban slums in Dhaka and in the Rohingya refugee camps located in Cox’s Bazar, where living conditions and limited healthcare access have accelerated the spread of the virus.
Hospitals are struggling to cope with the surge in patients. At the Mohakhali Infectious Diseases Hospital in Dhaka, the number of admitted patients has far exceeded available bed capacity. Most of those affected are children, many of whom are in critical condition, highlighting the urgency of the crisis.
In response, authorities have taken emergency measures, including preparing intensive care units (ICUs) and ensuring the availability of ventilators in key hospitals. Facilities such as Dhaka Medical College Hospital have been placed on high alert, while additional medical equipment, including ventilators, is being supplied to regional hospitals like Rajshahi Medical College Hospital.
Health experts warn that without immediate and large-scale vaccination efforts, the outbreak could worsen significantly. They stress the importance of raising public awareness among parents and guardians and implementing a coordinated national immunization drive. As the country confronts this growing health emergency, many believe that swift and decisive action will be critical to preventing further loss of life and restoring confidence in the healthcare system.
