Doctors’ group says negligence in vaccination turned measles menace into ‘pandemic’

They blame the interim government for the health crisis, suggesting several measures to fight the disease

The measles outbreak has turned into an “epidemic” due to the interim government's "carelessness" in purchasing vaccines, bureaucratic procrastination and "institutional neglect" towards public health, says a group of doctors.

Addressing a press conference in the capital on Saturday, the physicians demanded that those responsible be identified and punished.

Titled “Child Deaths from Measles: What to Do in an Emergency Public Health Situation”, the media briefing was organised by the “Doctors' Platform for People's Health” at the Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU).

The remarks coincide with the prime minister’s statement made earlier in the day when he dubbed the alleged failure of the previous two governments to ensure measles vaccination for children as an “unforgivable crime”.

At the DRU event, public health expert Mushtaq Hossain said more than 200 children have died in the country with measles and its symptoms since Mar 15.

Currently, more than 20,000 people are infected, with more than 3,000 hospitalised, he said, terming the situation a “serious public health crisis”.

Mushtaq said, "These deaths could have been prevented if effective measures had been taken in advance.

“The negligence of the interim government in purchasing vaccines, bureaucratic procrastination, and institutional neglect of public health led to this 'epidemic' of measles."

According to him, the Mumammad Yunus administration hastily signed the US trade deal but did not focus on funds for the vaccination defying objections from the finance ministry.

Mushtaq demanded the launch of a “Standing Order on Public Health Emergency” as soon as possible in case of such events in the future.

Several of the other demands raised are:

>> A special mass vaccination programme should be launched immediately across the country. Priority should be given to children from risky, densely populated and remote areas, and marginalised communities.

>> Healthcare should be strengthened from the Upazila to the central levels for rapid identification and treatment of affected children. Special “measles corners” and necessary medicines should be ensured in every hospital.

>> Children from marginalised families should be brought under government treatment and appropriate social support should be provided to the families.

>> The media, religious leaders and public representatives should be involved in countering existing rumours about vaccination.

>> A strong disease surveillance system and public health emergency operation centres should be activated to quickly identify infections.

>> The budget for the health sector should be increased to 5 percent of the GDP.

>> The vaccine production capacity should be boosted at the local level.

>> The “Measles Eradication Strategy Paper” should be reactivated by 2026.