Dhaka: Experts today called for strengthening immunization coverage, enhancing public awareness, and ensuring coordinated efforts to tackle the recent measles outbreak in the country. The call came at a roundtable titled “Recent Measles Outbreak and Way Forward” held at Shaheed Abu Sayeed Convention Centre in the capital.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the event was organized by the Legal and Health Assistance Cell for Oppressed Women and Children and attended by leading physicians, public health experts, policymakers, journalists, and representatives of international organizations. The session was moderated by the organization’s central coordinator and BNP Health Affairs Secretary Dr. Md. Rafiqul Islam.
Speakers at the roundtable highlighted that Bangladesh faces multiple challenges in controlling the outbreak and stressed the need to intensify vaccination drives, improve access to healthcare services, and adopt coordinated strategies. They emphasized the importance of strengthening field-level surveillance and ensuring rapid response measures to contain the spread.
The experts also underscored the necessity for research to determine whether the outbreak is linked to any new virus mutation. Additionally, they emphasized the role of social and mass media in raising awareness among the public.
Senior officials from the health sector proposed several recommendations to combat the current situation and prevent future outbreaks. The meeting concluded with a decision to submit its key findings and recommendations to the Ministry of Health and the government. Participants expressed gratitude to the organizers for the timely initiative and urged the continuation of such efforts to address critical public health issues.