বাংলাHealth Minister Sardar Md. Sakhawat Hossain has announced that the supply of the Measles vaccine is expected to begin in the first week of April. While addressing questions from journalists at the Ministry of Health’s conference room in the Secretariat following a meeting with the US Ambassador on Monday, the Minister emphasized that the government has taken immediate action despite a sudden surge in measles infections across the country.
Rapid Response to Outbreak and Medical Infrastructure
The Health Minister highlighted the government’s swift measures to tackle the rising cases. Following the tragic death of a child in Mohakhali, a closed ICU unit was restored and made functional within just 18 hours. Furthermore, dedicated wards, isolation facilities, and ventilators have been arranged for children in the capital and other regions. New ventilators have already been dispatched to Manikganj and Rajshahi, with initiatives underway to add 20 more ventilators to the Measles vaccine support infrastructure.
Procurement Process and UNICEF Coordination
Regarding the acquisition of vaccines, the Minister confirmed that the government has allocated 604 crore BDT for various vaccinations. The payment process has been completed, and the funds have already been transferred to the international organization, UNICEF. Health Secretary Md. Kamruzzaman Chowdhury added that once the purchase committee’s approval is obtained, the order will be placed immediately. The administration anticipates that the Measles vaccine will start arriving by the first week of April, followed by a nationwide immunization drive.
Priority Groups and Historical Context
Health Minister Sakhawat Hossain noted that while routine immunization has been active over the last decade, no major measles vaccination campaign has taken place since 2018. This gap has left children born after that period or those who missed their doses highly vulnerable. Consequently, the vaccine committee has decided to prioritize children aged between six months and five years for a specialized vaccination program. The Minister urged the public not to panic but to remain vigilant and ensure their children receive the Measles vaccine as soon as it becomes available.
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