Health Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Husain said the measles situation in Bangladesh has not yet reached epidemic level as emergency vaccination efforts continue nationwide.
The minister shared his assessment on Monday morning following the official launch of a nationwide emergency measles-rubella vaccination campaign at the Little Angel Seminary, located in Zinda Park of Narayanganj's Rupganj, bdnews24.com reports.
“No, this is not an epidemic. In the affected areas we have already brought around 85 percent of the population under vaccination coverage,” he said in response to a question.
He added that city corporations are actively involved in the effort and expressed confidence that the situation will be brought under control as the authorities focus their resources on any emerging hotspots.
Sakhawat also referred to weaknesses in the health supply chain “inherited from previous administrations”, saying shortages had hampered early response efforts.
He noted that the government acted swiftly when the outbreak emerged, particularly following the death of a child at an infectious disease hospital.
The minister explained that an intensive care unit was established at the facility within 18 hours despite the logistical difficulties involved.
"When measles leads to pneumonia and the lungs become congested, ventilators are essential for oxygen inflow and outflow," the minister said.
According to him, the ministry has provided these ventilators, addressing a critical shortage of the equipment that was previously a major hurdle in treating severe cases.
He said support from UNICEF, Gavi and the World Health Organization had helped secure vaccines and syringes, using unused pandemic funds to strengthen preparedness.
The minister said the vaccination programme began in 30 Upazilas across 18 districts earlier this month, later expanding to the Dhaka North and South city corporations as well as Mymensingh and Barishal, before going nationwide on Monday.
When asked if the current situation warrants the declaration of a state of emergency, he said the threshold has not yet been met.
He voiced hope that the rising caseload of the disease will subside within the next two to three days as the vaccination coverage expands.
Sakhawat also noted that while the country faces a deficit of doctors and medical equipment, initiatives are underway to recruit new medical professionals to bridge the gap.
