Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Hossain has expressed optimism that the country’s measles outbreak situation will ease within the next week as the government intensifies its control programmes.
Speaking at a ministry press conference on Friday, he stated that while the disease has seen a rise in infections and fatalities, vaccines are being used as “weapons” in an ongoing fight against the outbreak.
According to the latest figures from the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), five deaths were reported in the last 24 hours, including three confirmed and two suspected cases.
During this same period, 1,242 new cases were identified, consisting of 1,115 suspected and 127 laboratory-confirmed patients. Over the past month, confirmed measles deaths have reached 37, while suspected deaths stand at 174.
Of the 21,467 suspected patients recorded in this timeframe, 3,192 have been laboratory-confirmed as having the infection.
Dhaka Division currently faces the heaviest burden with 515 new suspected cases in 24 hours and a total of 80 deaths. Currently, 13,898 patients are hospitalised nationwide, though 11,243 have recovered and returned home.
Vaccination drive and coverage
A special measles vaccination campaign began on 5 April in 30 upazilas across 18 districts and was extended to the Dhaka North, Dhaka South, Mymensingh, and Barisal City Corporations on 12 April.
A nationwide mass campaign is scheduled to commence on 20 April. Data reveals that these special campaigns have reached 103 per cent of their target coverage to date, with Mymensingh City Corporation achieving the highest rate at 119 per cent, followed by Chattogram at 116 per cent.
In contrast, Dhaka North City Corporation reported a lower coverage rate of 89 per cent.
Hossain noted that while 30 upazilas originally saw high infection rates, the situation is now beginning to stabilise or decline in areas such as Dhaka, Narayanganj, Gazipur, and Savar. He emphasised that field-level manpower remains fully active in these efforts.
Vaccine stability, health management
Regarding other essential supplies, the minister confirmed there is no shortage of tuberculosis vaccines, and the current stock is sufficient to maintain the BCG and EPI vaccination programmes without hindrance until June.
Syringe supplies are expected to last until 15 May, with a total of 54 million units held by Gavi and a full supply set to arrive by the end of May.
A monitoring committee has been established to review stocks weekly, and the government has already released Tk604 crore in unused Covid-19 funds to procure vaccines through international partners like UNICEF and the WHO.
Sakhawat also addressed a controversial notice at Sohrawardy Hospital claiming a lack of anti-rabies vaccines, which he suggested was an attempt at financial malpractice.
An inquiry committee was ordered to report by Friday evening, with Sakhawat warning that any staff involved would face termination. He clarified that anti-rabies vaccines are in adequate supply and that local hospitals have the authority to purchase them directly.
He announced that 10 additional ICU units will be opened at the district level next week, following the recent launch of an 8-bed ICU in Manikganj and the provision of ventilators to Rajshahi.
On the issue of dengue, he clarified that while no reliable vaccine exists, hospitals are prepared and city corporations have been directed to intensify mosquito control activities.
While vaccinators face no salary issues, Sakhawat noted that arrears for porters will be paid gradually starting next week.
