A workshop for journalists was held at the National Institute of Mass Communication (NIMC) on Thursday to strengthen public awareness following an alarming rise in measles cases across the country.
Supported by UNICEF, the session focused on current infection risks, prevention strategies, and the media’s effective role in containment.
Presiding over the event, NIMC Director General Muhammad Hiruzzaman noted that the surge in measles has put a large number of children at significant health risk., He described children as the country’s future citizens and stated that ensuring their wellbeing is a collective moral responsibility.
He urged the media to play a more active role in disseminating accurate and responsible information to build public awareness.
Foara Tasmeen, Additional Director General (Planning and Development) of the Directorate General of Health Services, stated that the media plays a vital role in strengthening routine immunisation programmes, increasing parental awareness, and preventing the spread of rumours and misinformation. She expressed optimism that the preventable disease could be brought under control quickly through collective efforts.
Vinod Kumar Bura, the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Regional IVD Coordinator for South-East Asia, lauded the Bangladesh government’s swift actions, noting that official initiatives have already helped bring the outbreak largely under control. Highlighting the safety and efficacy of the vaccine, he encouraged the public to participate in vaccination efforts without fear.
Furthermore, UNICEF Programme Manager Riyad Mahmud emphasised the importance of coordinated initiatives involving the government, development partners, and the media to manage the situation.
The workshop was attended by approximately 50 journalists from various print, electronic, and online media outlets. During the proceedings, participants pledged to broadcast verified and accurate information regarding measles and called for similar training programmes to be continued in the future. The event concluded with a technical session where experts answered questions from journalists and advised on how to deliver correct health messages to the public through evidence-based reporting.
