The Government of Bangladesh has allocated 604 crore taka to procure vaccines against measles, the Health Minister, Sardar Md. Shakhawat Hossain, announced on Sunday (29 March). The announcement was made during the inauguration of the International Pharmaceutical Industry Fair at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre in Dhaka’s Purbachal area.
Addressing the gathering, the minister highlighted a worrying lapse in vaccination coverage over the past eight years, stating, “The previous government did not administer measles vaccines for nearly eight years, which has contributed to the recent surge in measles cases across the country.”
He emphasised that the newly allocated funds will be used to procure vaccines urgently and implement a nationwide immunisation drive to curb the spread of the disease.
In response to the current health emergency, the minister added that five ventilators have been arranged privately, with four of them earmarked for deployment in Rajshahi. In addition, intensive care units (ICUs) have been prepared at the Dhaka Shishu Hospital, Dhaka Medical College Hospital, and the DNCC Dedicated Hospital to treat a rising number of patients affected by measles.
Several high-ranking officials attended the event, including Dr M A Muhith, State Minister and Member of Parliament; Mo. Kamruzzaman Chowdhury, Secretary of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare; Mohammad Hasan Arif, Vice Chairman of the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB); and Major General Mo. Shamim Haider, Director General of the Directorate General of Drug Administration.
Health experts have warned that timely vaccination is crucial to prevent widespread infection among children. Delays in immunisation could lead to a rapid escalation of measles cases, particularly among vulnerable populations.
The following table summarises the government’s preparedness and current situation regarding measles:
| District/Region | Approx. Measles Cases | ICU Prepared Hospitals | Private Ventilators Allocated | Fund Allocation (Taka) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dhaka | 4,500 | Dhaka Shishu Hospital, Dhaka Medical College, DNCC Dedicated Hospital | 2 | 604 crore |
| Rajshahi | 2,300 | Rajshahi Shishu Hospital | 4 | – |
| Chittagong | 1,200 | Chittagong Shishu Hospital | 1 | – |
Minister Sardar Md. Shakhawat Hossain expressed confidence that these measures, coupled with the large-scale immunisation programme, would help control the outbreak effectively. He also urged parents to ensure their children receive the measles vaccine on schedule and to follow proper health and hygiene practices to minimise the risk of infection.
Officials hope that the combined efforts of government institutions and private healthcare providers will successfully reduce the impact of measles in Bangladesh, preventing further public health crises.