A petition has been filed in the High Court seeking the closure of schools in areas affected by the recent Ham outbreak until the spread of the infection is brought under control. The legal action follows the tragic deaths of 47 children, prompting calls for a high-level investigation into the outbreak.
On Thursday, 2 April, Supreme Court lawyer Latif Jahan Purnima submitted the petition. The case names the Secretary of the Ministry of Health’s Family Welfare Division, along with other relevant officials, as respondents.
The petition requests the court to direct the authorities to submit a comprehensive report on the outbreak, including details of fatalities, infection rates, vaccination coverage, vaccine availability, and the preventive measures implemented. The proposed report is expected to include the following:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Number of child fatalities | 47 |
| Estimated infection rate | Data pending local surveys |
| Vaccination coverage | Regional and national statistics required |
| Vaccine availability | Assessment of stock and distribution |
| Preventive measures implemented | Awareness campaigns, hygiene measures, school protocols |
The petition also demands a full, independent, and time-bound investigation to identify reasons behind vaccination delays, insufficient coverage, and shortcomings in preventive measures. Authorities are required to explain why timely vaccination was not executed and to present the investigation’s findings before the court.
Furthermore, the petition alleges that failure to ensure timely vaccination, inadequate vaccine supply, limited access to healthcare services, and delayed emergency responses constitute violations of Articles 27, 31, and 32 of the Constitution. It seeks an urgent nationwide Ham vaccination programme, ensuring uninterrupted supply of vaccines, syringes, and other essential logistics.
The petition highlights that, despite the ongoing outbreak, authorities have failed to implement immediate measures to control interpersonal transmission in schools. This, it argues, constitutes reckless disregard for public safety and exposes children to significant health risks.
Legal experts suggest that the High Court’s intervention could prompt rapid policy action, including school closures, enhanced vaccination drives, and stricter monitoring of outbreak containment efforts. Public health authorities are under pressure to demonstrate accountability and ensure that preventive measures reach all affected regions efficiently.
The case underscores growing concern over the government’s response to infectious disease outbreaks and may set a precedent for judicial oversight in public health emergencies. Court rulings in such cases often shape both the operational and strategic responses of the health sector, particularly in safeguarding vulnerable populations such as schoolchildren.
The outcome of this petition is expected to influence future decisions on school operations, vaccination prioritisation, and emergency preparedness amid infectious outbreaks.