Govt allocates Tk6.04bn to buy Measles vaccines

The government of Bangladesh has allocated Tk 6.04 billion ($55 million approx.) for the procurement of vaccines amid a surge in Measles infections, Health Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Hossain said.

The vaccines will be sourced from UNICEF, with supplies expected to begin in the first week of April, the minister said.

Authorities have stepped up emergency preparedness, including reopening intensive care units (ICUs), supplying ventilators, and establishing specialised wards. An ICU unit in Mohakhali was made operational within 18 hours after being shut following a child’s death.

Dedicated paediatric wards, isolation facilities, and ventilator support have been arranged in Dhaka and other regions. Additional ventilators have been sent to Manikganj and Rajshahi, with plans to add at least 20 more units.

Officials said that despite routine immunisation efforts over the past decade, no large-scale measles vaccination campaign has been conducted since 2018, leaving gaps among unvaccinated and newly born children.

Health Secretary Md Kamruzzaman Chowdhury said funds have already been transferred to UNICEF, and procurement orders will be placed following approval by the purchase committee.

A national immunisation drive prioritising children aged six months to five years is set to be launched once vaccines arrive.

The health minister urged the public to remain cautious but not panic, assuring that the situation is under control.