No measles vaccine shortage in Bangladesh, 81pc of target children covered: Health Minister

Health Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Husain has said 81 percent of the targeted children in Bangladesh have already been brought under measles vaccination coverage, amid reports of more than 200 deaths from the disease and its symptoms.

He said there was no shortage or weakness in vaccine supplies.

“We are sufficiently stocked with measles vaccines. By the grace of God, we have enough in hand. So the measles vaccination campaign is continuing. We have already covered 81 percent of our target, and the situation is coming down,” he said.

“You can certainly see that the rate of progression of measles, and the mortality rate as well, have declined significantly. It takes a few weeks for antibodies to develop. We started on May 4. By this time, the process has begun. Antibodies are being created, and the situation is improving.”

The minister reiterated that the campaign was ongoing and that full coverage would be achieved soon.

“Within the next two to four days, we will cover 100 percent of our target for measles vaccination.

He made the remarks on Sunday afternoon while briefing reporters after the second session of the Deputy Commissioners’ Conference at Osmani Memorial Auditorium.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman inaugurated the four-day conference at 10:30am.

It is the first such conference since the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) formed government after winning an overwhelming majority in the national election.

Asked what directives had been given to deputy commissioners, Sakhawat said the ministry had sought their support on several public health priorities.

With dengue season approaching, officials were asked to emphasise cleanliness and sanitation.

They were also urged to promote counselling for mothers to encourage breastfeeding and healthier eating habits, including greater consumption of vegetables.

The minister said authorities had also stressed the importance of maintaining adequate stocks of anti-rabies vaccine and anti-snake venom, particularly as supplies under an existing tender had not yet arrived.

He instructed that no rabies patient should be turned away from treatment.

On measles, he said district administrators had been asked to closely monitor every vaccination camp.

“We have already covered around 81 percent, God willing. We sought their cooperation to ensure proper supervision of each vaccination camp.”

He also asked deputy commissioners to deploy mobile teams to inspect unplanned and illegally operated clinics that fail to meet compliance standards.

They were further instructed to monitor dispensaries to prevent the sale of counterfeit medicines.

“Our honourable prime minister wants to improve healthcare services and deliver them to people’s doorsteps. To achieve that commitment, we have sought the full cooperation of the deputy commissioners.”

Earlier on Sunday, the Directorate General of Health Services reported 10 more deaths involving measles and its symptoms.

One of them was confirmed as a measles death, while the remaining nine patients had exhibited measles symptoms.

Since Mar 15, Bangladesh has recorded 50 confirmed measles deaths and 244 deaths involving measles-like symptoms.