Measles Situation Not Under Control Even After Three Months: Experts Blame Mismanagement for Child Deaths

PNN News Desk | Dhaka

Although the measles outbreak has reached an alarming level nationwide, the government has not been able to fully control the situation even after three months.

According to official data, more than 85,000 children have been infected or shown symptoms during the ongoing outbreak. More than 650 children have died, raising serious concern among public health experts.

Health sector officials say that such a large-scale outbreak after a long time has become a major challenge for the public health system. They believe limitations in district and upazila-level healthcare facilities and lack of coordinated rapid action have worsened the situation.

Former chief scientific officer of the Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR), Dr. Be-Nazir Ahmed, believes that many deaths could have been prevented with timely measures. He said a national health emergency and coordinated response should have been declared at the early stage.

On the other hand, the government has rejected allegations of mismanagement. Health Minister Dr. M.A. Muhit claimed that the situation has not become worse because of timely action. He said that without vaccination and treatment measures taken on time, the death toll could have been much higher.

Visits to hospitals in Dhaka show that measles wards are still crowded with patients. Many families are bringing their children from distant areas in search of better treatment.

Doctors say that most severe patients arrive late, already suffering from pneumonia and other complications, making treatment difficult.

Experts emphasize that vaccination programs must be strengthened in addition to hospital treatment. Although a special vaccination campaign started two months ago, not all children have yet been covered.

Meanwhile, some government officials blame previous governments’ vaccination gaps for the current situation. The Ministry of Health has already launched an investigation into the outbreak and sought international cooperation.

Public health analysts warn that with the rising number of dengue cases during the monsoon season, pressure on the healthcare system may increase further.

Experts recommend increasing vaccination coverage, improving local healthcare capacity, and raising awareness to control the situation. Otherwise, the crisis may continue to affect child health for a longer period.