Dhaka, May 21: The measles outbreak in Bangladesh is escalating alarmingly. Amid rising cases, UNICEF has revealed that it has repeatedly warned the country’s former interim government about a vaccine shortage. The organization claims to have communicated this issue through meetings and letters with the health ministry.
During a press briefing in Dhaka, UNICEF representative Rana Flowers stated that the organization sent 5-6 letters to the health ministry and raised the issue in nearly 10 meetings. The Daily Star published her remarks, noting that warnings about a potential health crisis due to vaccine shortages were issued continuously from 2024 to 2026.
According to reports, UNICEF also mentioned that its Deputy Executive Director, Ted Chaiban, addressed this issue during a meeting with the foreign ministry during his visit to Bangladesh last August. The organization clarified that it will provide evidence and support in investigating the measles outbreak, which has been initiated by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) government.
Bangladesh’s Health Minister, Sakawat Hossain, claimed that the current government inherited a severe vaccine shortage, asserting that when Tarique Rahman took office as Prime Minister, there was not a single dose available in stock.
Reports indicate that since March, 481 children have died from measles or related symptoms, with approximately 66,000 cases confirmed or suspected. UNICEF noted that one major reason for the problem has been delays in the vaccine procurement process, as the government altered the purchasing system, impacting supply.
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