Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and icddr,b agreed to work jointly to prevent child deaths caused by measles and associated pneumonia by expanding the use of “bubble CPAP” technology nationwide.
The two sides reached the decision at a meeting held on Wednesday at the ministry, where Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Hossain met a delegation from icddr,b.
The icddr,b delegation included its Executive Director Tahmeed Ahmed, Senior Scientist Zubayer Chisti and Director of Bangladesh Shishu Hospital and Institute Md Mahbubul Haque.
At the meeting, icddr,b proposed the use of its locally developed and cost-effective “bubble CPAP” technology to address the ongoing measles outbreak and reduce child deaths from pneumonia complications.
Tahmeed informed the minister that children aged between six months and three years are currently the most vulnerable group, while nearly 30 percent of hospitalised measles patients are affected with pneumonia.
Experts at the meeting emphasised the importance of scaling up the use of “bubble CPAP,” an innovation of icddr,b, noting that studies published in the The Lancet show it to be far more affordable than conventional mechanical ventilators, with each unit costing around Tk300 to produce.
Research conducted in Bangladesh and Ethiopia has demonstrated that the technology is more effective in saving children’s lives than standard oxygen therapy recommended by the World Health Organisation.
The health minister directed officials to take immediate steps to implement the proposal.
Following the meeting, a special session was held at the ministry’s conference room with directors and specialist physicians from more than 30 government hospitals.
During the session, Zubayer explained the scientific advantages of technology.
Mahbubul and Mujibur Rahman, director of Institute of Child and Mother Health, shared their institutions’ successful experiences in using the technology and its life-saving impact.
As a technical partner, icddr,b has committed to providing necessary training and support for implementing the initiative nationwide.
According to the minister’s directive, the first phase of training will begin on Thursday, April 2, at the Bangladesh Shishu Hospital and Institute under the supervision of Mahbubul Haque.
Joint Secretary of the Health Services Division Muhammad Mustafizur Rahman and Director (Hospital) of the Directorate General of Health Services Abu Hossain Md Moinul Ahsan will coordinate the overall activities.
