State Minister for Water Resources Farhad Hossain Azad has said the government does not want to engage in any “blame game” over past failures in measles vaccination.
He made the remarks after inaugurating the measles vaccination campaign at Singhpara Government Primary School ground under Sadar upazila in Panchagarh.
“Our government does not want to play any blame game over past failures regarding measles vaccination,” he said while speaking to journalists on Monday morning.
He said measles outbreaks have recently increased in 30 upazilas across 18 districts.
He stressed collective efforts to reduce infection rates and urged everyone to take measles vaccines.
He also called for avoiding rumours and misinformation and asked parents to vaccinate their children without confusion.
The government remains committed at the national level to protecting children’s lives through vaccination” the State minister added.
He noted “Measles is spreading rapidly among children aged six months to five years in around 18 districts and 30 upazilas. According to statistics, 81 per cent of infected cases are children under five, while 34 percent are nine-month-old infants.”
Farhad Hossain Azad said the government will not engage in any “blame game” and instead focus on strengthening immunisation programmes at upazila and district levels, including MR vaccine and vitamin A campaigns, to ensure child healthcare.
He further said “Gaps in routine immunisation could lead to wider spread of the disease. Although the situation remains under control, measles cases have been detected in around 56 districts, prompting swift government action.”
Addressing parents, he mentions common symptoms of measles include rashes, vomiting and red eyes. He advised parents not to rely on village doctors and to take children to hospitals immediately if symptoms appear.
Farhad Hossain Azad said a total of 136,527 doses of vaccine are ready for the campaign in Panchagarh, and more will be supplied if needed.
He added “Although no measles cases have been reported in Panchagarh yet, the campaign has been launched as a precautionary measure.”
He urged everyone to remain aware to ensure a healthy future for children.
Civil Surgeon Mizanur Rahman conducted the event. Deputy Commissioner Mosha Shukria Parveen, District Council Administrator Touhidul Islam and officials from various government departments and health authorities were present.
