Health and Family Planning Minister Sardar Md. Shakhawat Hossain has stated that the current situation surrounding measles in the country does not warrant the declaration of a national emergency. He further clarified that, based on present conditions, the situation cannot be classified as an epidemic.
He made these remarks on Monday while inaugurating the nationwide Measles and Rubella vaccination campaign at Rupganj in Narayanganj as the chief guest. During the event, the minister also highlighted the overall state of public health, progress in national immunisation programmes, and key issues related to child health.
The minister noted that following the first reported child death from measles, the government responded promptly by arranging intensive care support for affected children. He emphasised that the health sector had faced structural weaknesses due to mismanagement in previous administrations, which contributed to certain public health vulnerabilities.
According to him, past irregularities and inefficient use of state resources had weakened healthcare delivery systems, the effects of which are still being addressed. He assured that the current government is committed to preventing such lapses in the future through strengthened oversight and improved healthcare planning.
Placing strong emphasis on child health, the minister expressed concern that a growing number of mothers are not breastfeeding their children due to lack of awareness and increasing workload. He described this trend as alarming, warning that reduced breastfeeding contributes to weakened immunity in infants, thereby increasing their susceptibility to diseases such as measles.
He stressed that ensuring exclusive breastfeeding is essential for building a healthier future generation and urged parents and guardians to remain more vigilant about infant nutrition and care.
The minister also addressed local development demands, noting that the Member of Parliament from Rupganj had proposed the establishment of a 100-bed hospital in the area. He assured that the government is actively considering the proposal and that a fully equipped 100-bed hospital would soon be established with official support.
Officials present at the event underscored the importance of expanding vaccination coverage and increasing public awareness to prevent outbreaks of measles and rubella. They confirmed that a large-scale nationwide immunisation drive is currently underway to ensure maximum coverage among children.
Key Highlights of the Programme
| Subject | Details |
|---|---|
| Programme | Inauguration of Measles & Rubella Vaccination Campaign |
| Location | Rupganj, Narayanganj |
| Emergency Status | No need for national emergency declaration |
| Health Response | ICU support for affected children arranged |
| Major Concern | Low breastfeeding rates and reduced immunity |
| Development Plan | Proposed 100-bed hospital in Rupganj |
Authorities reiterated that sustained vaccination efforts, combined with increased public awareness, remain central to strengthening child immunity and preventing the spread of vaccine-preventable diseases across the country.