Health Minister Mohammad Sakhawat Hossain today said the recent rise in measles cases is due to past governments' failures in ensuring regular vaccination for children.

Addressing journalists during a surprise visit to the 250-bed Munshiganj General Hospital this evening, the minister said no measles awareness campaign has been run since December 2020.

“No nationwide measles vaccination campaign was carried out in the last six years. Due to this failure, many children were left unvaccinated, leading to the current outbreak,” he said.

The minister added that the government has now launched a nationwide measles vaccination drive to contain the situation. Initially introduced in 30 upazilas, the programme has been expanded across the country since the 20th of this month.

“We hope the measles situation will come under control soon with this ongoing campaign,” he said.

During the visit, the minister also ordered the withdrawal of Munshiganj General Hospital Superintendent Dr Ahammad Kabir, Civil Surgeon Dr Kamrul Zomadder, and stenotypist Md Mizanur Rahman from the Civil Surgeon’s Office, citing the dissemination of incorrect information to the media.

Earlier, the minister held a meeting to review healthcare services in Munshiganj.

Among others, Munshiganj-2 MP Advocate Abdus Salam Azad and officials from various levels of the health department were present at the event.