At a roundtable discussion titled “Recent Measles Outbreak and the Way Forward,” speakers demanded that those responsible be brought under legal accountability through proper investigation if complications in vaccine procurement leading to shortages have contributed to the rise in measles cases. The roundtable was held at Shaheed Abu Sayeed Convention Center in the capital. It was organized by the Legal and Health Support Cell for Oppressed Women and Children. The event was attended by renowned physicians, public health experts, policymakers, media professionals, and representatives from international organizations.
The session was moderated by Dr. Md. Rafiqul Islam, Central Coordinator of the Legal and Health Support Cell for Oppressed Women and Children and Health Affairs Secretary of BNP.
Speakers highlighted the current challenges in controlling the recent measles outbreak in Bangladesh. They emphasized strengthening immunization programs, increasing public awareness, improving access to healthcare services, and adopting coordinated initiatives. The importance of effective field-level surveillance and rapid response measures was also underscored.
One speaker noted that disruptions in vaccination programs have contributed significantly to the rise in measles cases. He stated that if procurement-related complications have led to such an increase—resulting in child mortality—then it is imperative to bring those responsible under legal scrutiny following a thorough investigation.
At the same time, the participants praised the dedicated efforts of frontline health workers involved in vaccination programs. They also urged caution to ensure that future movements or demands do not cause public suffering or disrupt essential health services.
Among those present at the roundtable were Professor Dr. Mamun Ahmed, Chairman of the University Grants Commission (UGC); Professor Dr. Nazmul Hossain, Director General of the Directorate of Health Education; Professor Rubina Yasmin, Additional Director General; Professor Dr. Fowara Tasnim, Additional Director General of the Directorate General of Health Services; Professor Dr. Md. Hanif, pediatric specialist; Professor Dr. Firoza Begum, President of OGSB; Abdul Hai Siddique, Editor-in-Chief of Dainik Bangla Vision; Anisul Hoque, Associate Editor of Prothom Alo and noted writer; researcher and politician Dr. Tasnim Zara; Professor Dr. Md. Atiar Rahman, Dean of the Department of Pediatrics at BSMMU; Professor Dr. Yamin Shahriar Chowdhury, pediatric specialist; Dr. Touhid Islam, representative of the World Health Organization; Professor Dr. Md. Nazrul Islam, Registrar of BSMMU; Professor Dr. Md. Mostafa Kamal, Chairman of the Department of Anesthesiology at BSMMU; Professor Dr. Saif Ullah Munshi, virologist at BSMMU; Professor Dr. Md. Abid Hossain Molla, pediatric specialist; Dr. Md. Tajul Islam A. Bari, former Program Manager of EPI; Md. Arifur Rahman, Surveillance Officer of WHO; Rashed Rabbi, Health Editor of Dainik Kalbela; Dr. Hasanuzzaman, representative of UNICEF; Zahid Shahed; Shishir Morol, journalist of Prothom Alo; Dr. Shamim Talukdar, Member Secretary of Suswasther Bangladesh; and Professor Dr. Saklayen Russell, among others.
Participants stressed the need for research to determine whether the current measles outbreak in Bangladesh is linked to any new virus mutation. They also highlighted the importance of utilizing social media and mainstream media platforms to raise public awareness effectively.
In the presence of senior officials from the Directorate General of Health Services, several recommendations were presented to address the current situation and prevent similar crises in the future. It was decided that the key discussion points and recommendations would be communicated to the Ministry of Health and the government.
The participants expressed their appreciation to the organizers for arranging such a timely discussion and urged that similar initiatives continue in the future to address critical issues in the country’s health sector.