Measles outbreak is decreasing somewhat: Health Minister

Health Minister Sardar Sakhawat Hossain said that with the joint efforts of the World Health Organization and UNICEF, vaccination activities have started in 30 upazilas of 18 measles-prone districts of the country from April 5. On that day, 76,000 children were vaccinated. We achieved 96 percent success in the vaccination program on the first day. By the grace of God, its outbreak is decreasing somewhat. At the same time, vaccination activities are also ongoing.
He said these things at the World Health Day program at the Abu Sayeed Convention Center on Minto Road in the capital on Tuesday (April 7) morning. The Health Minister said that the vaccine procurement crisis created by the past two Awami Leagues and the interim government has failed to supply it even after 2020. Due to which measles has emerged in the form of an epidemic. Measles still exists, but under the dynamic and prudent leadership of the Prime Minister, we have been able to bring the matter under control.
He further said that vaccination activities will start in Dhaka North and South, Mymensingh and Barisal City Corporations from the 12th. Vaccination activities will start all over Bangladesh from May 3. We will continue the vaccination activities by standing by the people every day, relentlessly and without any break.
The Health Minister said that measles vaccines are being collected through UNICEF. He further said that vaccines are not being purchased from any other organization. Referring to the rigging in procurement in the health sector, he said, we want to eradicate 100% corruption from the health sector. Rigging in procurement in the health sector is done to commit corruption. The development of this sector is not possible unless ethics improve.
The Health Minister said that there is a shortage of raw materials in the medicines of many companies. Yet they are in the market. On the other hand, many good companies are lagging behind due to various reasons. All health workers, pharmaceutical companies and the administration must come forward for the sustainable development of this sector.