Dhaka: Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Hossain today emphasized the importance of prevention and public awareness in tackling the measles and dengue situation in the country, rather than solely focusing on treatment. He made these remarks as the chief guest at a seminar organized by the Doctors Association of Bangladesh (DAB) at the Jahur Hossain Chowdhury Hall of the National Press Club.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Sakhawat Hossain highlighted the necessity of ensuring breastfeeding, nutritious food, cleanliness, isolation, and timely vaccination to bring measles and dengue under control. He pointed out that children up to 6-9 months of age, previously thought to have immunity through their mother’s milk, are now contracting measles due to malnutrition and lack of breastfeeding.
The minister underscored the severity of measles, noting that many patients develop pneumonia after measles, and secondary infections often lead to fatalities even after initial recovery. He also addressed the significant shortfall in the regular measles vaccination program post-2020 and mentioned the subsequent emergency collection of vaccines with the help of UNICEF and Gavi, following the Prime Minister’s instructions.
Sakhawat Hossain stated that the measles mortality rate is decreasing, with a vaccination program initiated in April for 30 upazilas across 18 affected districts. The program later expanded nationwide, including in four city corporations, with efforts to trace unvaccinated children through door-to-door campaigns.
The seminar featured keynote presentations by Dr. Farhana Haque on measles and Dr. Md. Sayem on dengue awareness. The event was presided over by DAB’s acting president, Professor Dr. Md. Abul Kenan, and attended by several dignitaries including Dr. Md. Abdus Salam, Dr. Md. Jahirul Islam Shakil, and Professor Dr. Farhad Halim Donar.