Measles outbreak due to interim govt's vaccine supply failure: BNP health secretary

The surge in measles cases among children in the country is a result of the interim government's failure to supply vaccines on time, said BNP's Health Affairs Secretary Md Rafiqul Islam.

He made this remark while speaking to journalists after visiting Rajshahi Medical College Hospital on Monday afternoon, March 30.

Rafiqul Islam said the first measles case was detected in a Rohingya camp on January 4. Although authorities were aware, effective measures could not be taken on time due to complications in vaccine procurement. This has led to the current rise in infections.

He stated that while vaccines were procured through a specific process until 2024, a decision was later made to purchase them through another institution. Additionally, prolonged protests by those involved in the vaccination programme disrupted activities, increasing the risk of infectious disease spread. He urged those concerned to prioritise public interest in performing their duties.

Emphasising the need for further research on the measles situation, he said children as young as four months are now contracting the disease, even though vaccines are currently administered at nine and 15 months. It is crucial to investigate why infections are occurring earlier than scheduled, which would help control the disease at an early stage.

Stressing the importance of awareness, he said measles is highly contagious—one infected person can transmit it to 10 to 15 others. Therefore, caution rather than panic is necessary.

Regarding the hospital's overall situation, he said the hospital, which has around 1,200 beds, is currently treating approximately 2,900 patients, putting immense pressure on healthcare services. Even the ICU designated for children, which has limited capacity, currently has 12 children admitted.

He said if the disease can be controlled in the early stages, the pressure on ICUs can be reduced.

Regarding child deaths at the hospital, Rafiqul Islam said they are under investigation. The government has formed a three-member probe committee, which has already begun its work. Once their report is received, the actual measles situation will be known.

Earlier, he visited the isolation ward and ICU designated for measles-affected children at the hospital. Hospital Director PKM Masud Ul Islam and other doctors were present on the occasion.