Govt launches emergency measures to contain measles: Health Minister

Health Minister Sardar Md. Sakhawat Husain today informed the Jatiya Sangsad that the government has launched emergency measures to contain the measles situation. In this connection, he said a nationwide vaccination drive has already been launched while the procurement of millions of doses are underway to replenish depleted stocks.

Responding to concerns raised by opposition lawmaker Rumeen Farhana during her call attention notice on urgent public important matters (Rule-71), the minister said a vaccination campaign began on April 5 in high-risk areas and later the program was expanded to Dhaka North and South city corporations and other major urban centers from April 12. He noted the government is taking proactive measurers to cover the capital although Dhaka was not initially classified as a high-risk zone by international partners. 

Stating that the current administration inherited a near-zero stock of vaccines due to previous mismanagement, Sakhawat Husain highlighted urgent financial measures to restore the supply chain. He informed the House that Tk 604 crore from unused Asian Development Bank (ADB) pandemic funds has been reallocated for emergency procurement.

Furthermore, approximately 21.9 million doses have been secured through Gavi support, and an additional procurement worth Tk 419 crore is in its final stage. “To ensure transparency and avoid delays, the government is bypassing traditional tenders to procure directly through UNICEF,” he said. Addressing the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI), the minister highlighted a shift to multi-dose vials to improve storage efficiency and meet WHO cold chain standards. 

He also addressed workforce shortages, stating that the government is moving to clear outstanding salaries for field-level health workers within days to ensure the vaccination drive remains effective. Earlier, Rumeen Farhana cited data suggesting higher fatalities and warned of the long-term risks of measles-induced immune suppression among children. She also raised alarms over shortages of several routine vaccines.

In response, the minister assured that under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, the situation is being brought under control. "The vaccine stocks are now stabilizing, and we are moving forward with full preparedness to protect children’s health," he said.