Measles outbreak expected to ease in two to three months if vaccination continues: State Minister

State Minister for Health MA Muhit has said he does not wish to give any unrealistic assurance that the measles outbreak in the country will subside within a week. However, he expressed hope that the situation will improve significantly in the next two to three months if the ongoing vaccination programme and other measures are continued properly.

He made the remarks while responding to journalists’ questions at the auditorium of Bangladesh Shishu Hospital and Institute during the unveiling of findings from a joint study on childhood measles conducted by the hospital and icddr,b on Wednesday (August 19).

The state minister said a crisis that has built up over a long period cannot be resolved overnight. There are gaps in the vaccination programme as well as a shortage of health workers at the field level. Therefore, it is not realistic to claim that the measles outbreak will be fully brought under control in a short time.

Asserting that the government has shown no negligence in tackling measles, he said a vaccination campaign was launched promptly in view of the situation. Health workers are putting in extra effort even in remote areas. Against a requirement of 40,000 field workers, about 25,000 staff have vaccinated nearly 20 million children in one month. In his view, a vaccination drive of this scale is notable even by international standards.

Describing measles as a highly contagious disease, MA Muhit said the study has brought out important findings on children’s antibodies, breastfeeding and other issues. Simply increasing the number of hospitals or ventilators cannot prevent measles deaths. The most effective measure to control the disease is vaccination, which is why the government is currently giving the highest priority to preventive activities.

The state minister also outlined plans to expand paediatric healthcare. He said there is a plan to open five full-fledged children’s hospitals in five divisional cities within the next two to three months. In addition, initiatives are being taken to recruit 5,000 doctors, 1,000 nurses and 100,000 field workers to address the manpower shortage in the health sector.

According to data from the Directorate General of Health Services, a total of 918 people have died from measles and measles-like symptoms between 15 March and Tuesday. Of them, 99 deaths were confirmed as measles. During the same period, the number of suspected measles cases stood at 144,780, while 17,989 cases were confirmed.