Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Husain has expressed deep sorrow over the recent child fatalities as measles outbreak struck the country like a lightning, claiming several young lives.
Speaking after inspecting the Sher-e-Bangla Nagar Children’s Hospital in Dhaka on Thursday morning, he said the outbreak hit unexpectedly, leaving the health system unprepared to cope with the surge.
“The outbreak hit suddenly, like a lightning. We had no prior preparation,” minister said.
Husain said the government is now almost ready to collect and distribute vaccines.
He added that the process of obtaining vaccines from UNICEF is in its final stage. Existing shortages are being addressed to ensure rapid response.
As an immediate step, he announced a national emergency vaccination campaign to begin on Sunday.
“Under the direction of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, we are launching the fastest national vaccination drive in Bangladesh’s history. No campaign has been rolled out in such a short timeframe before,” he said.
To speed up field operations, vaccines and necessary equipment will be sent to all upazilas within two days.
“From Sunday, we will start pushing vaccines at the field level, inshallah. Tomorrow and the day after, materials will be supplied to every upazila,” Sakhawat Husain added.
The minister urged parents to bring their children promptly to the nearest vaccination centres and follow health guidelines without panic.
He expressed confidence that the government’s swift action could contain the outbreak and prevent further child deaths.
