1 confirmed, 10 suspected measles deaths in 24 hours: DGHS
During the same period, 1,248 patients with measles-like symptoms were admitted to hospitals across the country, while 189 cases were laboratory-confirmed as measles.
One more confirmed death and 10 suspected measles-related deaths were recorded in the 24 hours till 8am today (8 April), as per the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).
During the same period, 1,248 patients with measles-like symptoms were admitted to hospitals across the country, while 189 cases were laboratory-confirmed as measles, the DGHS said.
To tackle the ongoing measles outbreak, the scheduled vaccination campaign has been brought forward by 14 days.
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Instead of 3 May, the nationwide programme will now begin simultaneously on 20 April, Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Husain announced.
The minister disclosed this information today during the question-and-answer session of the first sitting of the Parliament, in response to a question from Member of Parliament Rumeen Farhana.
The minister said, "At least 21 children have died from confirmed measles infections in Bangladesh so far this year. In addition to the confirmed fatalities, 138 children have died with symptoms consistent with measles."
The government has reallocated Tk604 crore from unused pandemic funds and secured around 2.19 crore vaccine doses with international support as part of urgent measures to combat the outbreak, he added.
He said that emergency measures have been launched to contain the measles outbreak, including a nationwide vaccination drive and the procurement of millions of doses to replenish depleted stocks.
The minister further said, "Tk604 crore from unused Asian Development Bank pandemic funds has been reallocated for emergency procurement, and 21.9 million doses have been secured through Gavi support, while an additional procurement worth Tk419 crore is in its final stages."
To ensure transparency and avoid delays, the government is bypassing traditional tenders to procure vaccines directly through Unicef, he added.
The minister also announced that while a vaccination campaign began on 5 April in high-risk areas, the programme will expand to Dhaka North and South City Corporations and other major urban centres starting 12 April.
He noted that although Dhaka was not initially classified as a high-risk zone by international partners, the government is taking proactive steps to cover the capital.
Acknowledging that the current administration inherited a near-zero stock of vaccines due to previous mismanagement, Husain detailed urgent financial measures to restore the supply chain.
Addressing the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI), the minister highlighted a shift to multi-dose vials to improve storage efficiency and meet WHO cold chain standards.
He also addressed workforce shortages, stating that the government is moving to clear outstanding salaries for field-level health workers within days to ensure the vaccination drive remains effective.
Earlier, Rumeen Farhana cited data suggesting higher fatalities and warned of the long-term risks of measles-induced immune suppression among children.
She also raised alarms over shortages of several routine vaccines.
In response, the minister assured that, under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, the situation is being brought under control.
"The vaccine stocks are now stabilising, and we are moving forward with full preparedness to protect children's health," he said.
DGHS data shows that between 15 March and 8 April, a total of 1,599 measles cases have been confirmed through laboratory testing.
According to the latest health bulletin, a total of 11,133 suspected measles cases have been identified nationwide, of which 7,577 patients have already been discharged after receiving treatment.
