Govt approves Tk 412.71cr for measles vaccine procurement

The government has approved a proposal to spend Tk 412.71 crore on procuring measles vaccines as the infections and related deaths continues to grapple the country.

The approval came at a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Government Purchase held at the Secretariat on Wednesday (June 10), according to a notification issued by the Ministry of Finance.

Under the decision, the vaccines will be procured directly through the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), restoring a procurement mechanism previously used for the country’s routine immunisation programme.

According to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), a total of 66,170 people have been admitted to hospitals with measles symptoms since March 15. Of them, 62,292 have been discharged after receiving treatment.

Official data show that 92 people have died after being diagnosed with measles during the period. In addition, 539 more deaths have been reported among patients who exhibited measles-like symptoms, bringing the overall death toll linked to the outbreak to 631 over the past three months.

The decision comes amid growing concern over vaccine availability and disease prevention efforts.

UNICEF recently warned of a potential vaccine shortage in Bangladesh and said it had repeatedly alerted the relevant authorities through letters and meetings regarding the risk of supply disruptions.

Until 2024, Bangladesh routinely procured vaccines directly through UNICEF. However, in 2025 the government shifted vaccine procurement under the revenue budget and moved towards an open tender system.

With the latest approval, the government has effectively returned to direct procurement through UNICEF in an effort to ensure uninterrupted vaccine supply and strengthen the country’s response to the ongoing measles situation.

During the same meeting, the committee also approved the purchase of 212 double-cabin pickup vehicles for police operational activities, along with proposals for the procurement of fertiliser, gasoline and furnace oil.