The first phase of nationwide hands-on training on the use of bubble CPAP in treating respiratory distress caused by measles-induced pneumonia was launched today.

The training is being conducted under the guidance of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, in collaboration with the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), Bangladesh Shishu Hospital and Institute (BSHI), and icddr,b, said a press release.

The event began with a keynote presentation by Professor Dr Mirza Md Ziaul Islam, head of Paediatric Infectious Diseases at BSHI, who highlighted the recent resurgence of measles in Bangladesh.

He noted that measles-induced pneumonia remains one of the leading causes of child mortality and requires urgent and focused attention.

Speaking at the event, BSHI Director Professor Md Mahbubul Haque said that icddr,b has developed a low-cost and effective bubble CPAP oxygen delivery system, which has significantly reduced pneumonia-related mortality as well as overall oxygen consumption costs.

He emphasised that the technology is more effective in saving children’s lives compared to the standard low-flow oxygen therapy recommended by the World Health Organization, and that this is the right time for Bangladesh to expand its use nationwide.

Tahmeed Ahmed, executive director of icddr,b, noted that early initiation of treatment using icddr,b’s bubble CPAP can often prevent the need for mechanical ventilation.

He further highlighted that bubble CPAP has been part of the standard of care for children with severe pneumonia and hypoxaemia at icddr,b’s Dhaka Hospital since August 2013, and is now widely used in several African countries.

In his chief guest address, Health Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Husain stressed the importance of medical ethics and encouraged the exploration of context-appropriate treatment approaches.

He noted that upon informing Prime Minister Tarique Rahman about bubble CPAP, he expressed interest in it and instructed to widely promote it among doctors and everyone.

He also called for coordinated efforts across sectors to address the resurgence of measles and protect children, and appreciated icddr,b’s proactive technical support to the Ministry.