Health experts opined that a broader management failure in the immunisation system is behind the sudden measles outbreak in the recent times.
They also said a large number of the patients are coming to hospitals late with critical conditions, making their treatment difficult. Most of them are coming from low-income backgrounds, overcrowded living conditions, and areas marked by malnutrition.
Speakers said these at a virtual discussion, organised by Power and Participation Research Centre (PPRC) on Saturday night, which focused on the resurgence of measles and its implications for public health in Bangladesh.
The session was moderated by Executive Chairman of PPRC and Convener of UHC Forum, Dr. Hossain Zillur Rahman.
The panel included Dr. Tajul Islam Bari, vaccinologist and public health specialist; Dr. Syeda Humaida Hasan, child specialist - Chittagong Medical College Hospital; Dr. Md. Aminul Hasan, founder and CEO - Quality Care Concern; and Dr. Mohsin Zillur Karim, community health specialist and director - Aamra Community Hospital.
Dr. Tajul Islam Bari said although the supply of measles vaccines was sufficient, weak distribution management and failures in last-mile delivery prevented them from effectively reaching service points.
Dr. Syeda Humaida Hasan said a growing number of patients are either partially immunised or unimmunised, underscoring the urgent need for an MR (Measles-Rubella) vaccination campaign.
Between April 1 and April 18, Chittagong Medical College Hospital (CMCH) recorded more than 226 suspected measles cases, with most patients coming from low-income backgrounds, overcrowded living conditions, and areas marked by malnutrition, many of whom arrived in critical condition, she added.
Dr. Md. Aminul Hasan termed the current measles crisis as a consequence of broader management failure in the immunization system. Procedural constraints, including approval issues at the finance level, created supply gaps relative to demand, he added.
A prevailing sense of panic followed the measles outbreak, which significantly affected the quality of child healthcare delivery. Due to the panic, many children did not receive timely or appropriate treatment, as both healthcare-seeking behaviour and clinical response were disrupted, said Dr. Mohsin Zillur Karim.
Dr. Hossain Zillur Rahman opined that addressing the current crisis must be an immediate priority, while also recognising deeper systemic failures in ensuring primary healthcare as a fundamental right.
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