Dhaka: Minister for Social Welfare and Women and Children Affairs Dr. AZM Zahid today emphasized the importance of raising mass awareness about measles as a crucial strategy to control the outbreak of this highly contagious airborne virus. He urged citizens not to spread unnecessary fear while the government continues its efforts to manage the situation through vaccination and public awareness campaigns.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Dr. Zahid made these remarks while speaking at a seminar titled "Measles outbreak across the country: Duty of Doctors, Nurses and Mass Awareness" held at the Abdus Salam Hall of Jatiya Press Club. The event was organized by former leaders of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) of Medical and Dental units, where Dr. Zahid served as the chief guest.
Dr. Zahid recalled that measles was once a common ailment experienced during childhood and stressed the importance of awareness over fear. He noted significant changes in disease patterns, mentioning that dengue, which once had a specific season, now occurs throughout the year. He emphasized the need for national efforts similar to those made against malaria and chickenpox to combat measles.
He expressed concern over the current state of measles in society, stating that it has reached a severity he has not observed in his 44-45 years of medical practice. The minister highlighted a worrying decline in immunity and nutritional standards as contributing factors to the increased severity of measles cases.
Dr. Zahid credited the timely intervention and supervision of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and Health Minister Sardar Md. Sakhawat Hossain for the observed downward trend in measles prevalence. He expressed optimism about the health sector's readiness to tackle existing challenges, citing increased vaccination and awareness as reasons for the decreasing severity of infections.
Highlighting the government's initiatives, Dr. Zahid praised various development works associated with the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and emphasized the contributions of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and his successors in progressing the country.
In addition to health issues, Dr. Zahid condemned the recent murder of a minor girl named Ramisa in Pallabi, advocating for a proper trial and exemplary punishment to uphold the rule of law. He voiced support for the government's 'zero tolerance policy' against child and women abuse and lauded initiatives like the Legal Aid Department and the multi-sectoral approach as key pillars of the government's election manifesto.
Health Minister Sardar Md. Sakhawat Hossain, present as a special guest, reiterated the government's commitment to the measles vaccination campaign, ensuring it would not pause even during Eid vacations. He reported success in exceeding vaccination targets and announced plans to intensify the campaign further. The minister noted that in areas where vaccination began on May 4, the infection rate has dropped significantly.
Sardar Md. Sakhawat Hossain expressed cautious optimism, stating that while the government does not claim complete success, the outbreak is largely under control. He anticipated a further decrease in the outbreak as antibodies develop in the vaccinated population.