Measles treatment forces 89 percent families into debt: Survey

Most families have faced severe financial hardship while seeking treatment for children affected by the measles outbreak in the country. A joint survey by Bangladesh Red Crescent Society (BDRCS) and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) found that 89 percent of families had to take out loans to meet treatment costs, while 61 percent had to deplete their savings.

The survey, published on Monday (August 3), analysed data from 2,746 families who sought treatment at 12 government medical colleges and district hospitals across the country.

According to the survey, each family spent an average of Tk 16,000 on measles treatment and related expenses. To bear this cost, 4 percent of families sold assets and nearly 3 percent relied on donations.

Among the patients surveyed, 75 percent were under four years of age. Additionally, 19 percent were aged between 5 and 17 years, and 6 percent were over 18 years of age.

All families participating in the survey said they needed financial assistance to overcome the crisis. The highest number of families (35 percent) mentioned the need for medicine support. This was followed by the need for water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) support (33 percent) and food support (22 percent).

Among families that provided occupational information, 78 percent worked in the informal sector, with monthly incomes ranging between Tk 6,000 and Tk 20,000. Many families lost income while staying in hospital for long periods with their sick children, and some even lost their jobs.

Based on the risk assessment of the survey, there are plans to provide emergency cash assistance of Tk 10,000 each to 2,400 of the most affected families.

Bangladesh Red Crescent Society Secretary General Kabir M Ashraf Alam said this assessment has made it clear that the measles outbreak is not only a health crisis but has also created a major economic crisis for many families. Therefore, alongside standing by the most vulnerable families, awareness activities are also continuing.