Dhaka: BNP Health Affairs Secretary Dr Rafiqul Islam announced today that the government has implemented immediate measures to manage the ongoing measles outbreak. He made this statement while launching a measles-rubella vaccination campaign organized by the Rural Society Development Programme in Ward No. 13 of Shantinagar, Dhaka.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the vaccination drive is part of a larger national effort to prevent measles and rubella. The campaign kicked off in four city corporations, including both city corporations in Dhaka, aiming to curb the spread of these infectious diseases. Dr Rafiqul Islam, speaking at the event, emphasized that despite rising public concern, the government has acted swiftly. Simultaneously, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has initiated its own measures since the outbreak’s onset.
Dr Rafiqul highlighted that a visit to Rajshahi Medical College Hospital was conducted to assess the situation directly. A roundtable discussion with local and international experts followed, and their recommendations have been forwarded to the government. Addressing the surge in measles cases, he pointed out that past disruptions in vaccination programs played a role, prompting the current government to launch this extensive immunization effort.
The campaign, which began on April 5, targets high-risk districts and will continue in phases nationwide until May 11. In Dhaka South City Corporation alone, around 450,000 children are expected to receive vaccinations through 450 permanent and temporary centers. Dr Rafiqul urged parents to ensure their children are vaccinated to support the campaign’s success.
The event was attended by BNP Assistant Health Affairs Secretary Prof Dr Nazrul Islam, Deputy Director of the Directorate General of Health Services Dr S A Shafi, Assistant Director Dr Md Nurul Haque, and other relevant officials.