Doctors say interim government ‘cannot evade responsibility’ for measles child deaths

Physicians warn state failed to ensure preventive healthcare amid worsening measles crisis

Physicians’ organisation Doctors for Health and Environment has accused the interim government and health authorities of failing to prevent the deaths of more than 400 children linked to measles, saying the Muhammad Yunus administration “cannot avoid responsibility”.

The group demanded universal measles vaccination, regular Vitamin A distribution, state-funded treatment for affected children and punishment for those responsible for negligence.

At a press conference titled “Child Deaths From Measles: Public Health Crisis And The Path Forward” at the Dhaka Reporters Unity on Saturday, the organisation unveiled a 15-point demand list.

The event was chaired by organisation President Shafiqul Islam, while former general secretary Dr MH Faruquee presented the written statement.

Quoting UNICEF Acting Bangladesh Representative Stanley Gwavuya, Dr Faruquee said vaccine shortages caused by procurement complications, delays in disease surveillance reporting, declining immunity and suspension of Vitamin A campaigns were key reasons behind the current outbreak and child deaths.

“Therefore, the chief advisor of the interim government, the health advisor, the special assistant on health affairs and bureaucratic authorities concerned cannot escape responsibility for these deaths,” he said.

Dr Faruquee said the state has an obligation to ensure preventive healthcare but failed to allocate adequate funding. He urged special priority for the health sector in the 2026–27 national budget.

According to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), between Mar 15 and May 15, a total of 451 people died after contracting measles or showing symptoms -- including 74 confirmed measles deaths and 377 symptom-related fatalities.

Dr Faruquee said measles mainly affects children aged between nine months and five years in Bangladesh and that timely vaccination greatly reduces both infection and severity.

He blamed vaccine shortages on the interim government’s failure in procurement and stock management.

He also accused the government of halting Vitamin A capsule distribution for children, saying it increased the risk of death as the supplement plays a critical role in preventing severe complications from measles.

Citing media reports, he said the fourth phase of the Health, Population and Nutrition Sector Programme ended in June 2024.

Although preparations for the fifth phase were under way, the interim government cancelled it without arranging alternative vaccine procurement and instead launched a two-year initiative.

Funding for vaccine purchases stopped after December 2024, creating severe shortages, he added.

The organisation’s shortened 15-point demand list included:

• Nationwide intensified measles vaccination

• Measles treatment corners in all public hospitals

• Regular Vitamin A distribution for children

• Free treatment for poor families

• Accountability and punishment for negligence

• Rapid recruitment in vacant health posts

• Full operation of six divisional children’s hospitals

• Stronger rural and ward-level primary healthcare

• Recognition of healthcare as a constitutional right

• Health budget allocation of 15 percent of the national budget and 5 percent of GDP