ASK expresses concern over rising child infections, deaths amid measles outbreak
So far this year, at least 47 children have died from confirmed measles infections in Bangladesh. In addition, 266 children have died with symptoms consistent with measles.
Human rights organisation Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) has expressed deep concern over the growing number of children infected with measles and measles-like symptoms, as well as the rising death toll linked to the ongoing outbreak in the country.
In a statement today (28 April), ASK described the deaths from a preventable disease as "neither normal nor acceptable", calling it a reflection of serious failures in public health management, policy planning and state preparedness.
So far this year, at least 47 children have died from confirmed measles infections in Bangladesh. In addition, 266 children have died with symptoms consistent with measles.
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The rights body questioned why adequate procurement, supply and routine administration of measles vaccines could not be ensured on time, despite the availability of an effective, safe and low-cost vaccine for many years.
It warned that a preventable disease has now taken on epidemic-like proportions, putting children's lives at risk.
Referring to media reports of delays, shortages and administrative complications in vaccine procurement during the interim government tenure, ASK called for a thorough review of the process.
It urged authorities to determine at which stage procurement was delayed, whether negligence or inefficiency played a role, and whether officials in key ministries or departments were responsible for obstructing timely action.
Citing warnings from the World Health Organization, which has classified Bangladesh's measles situation as high risk, ASK noted recommendations to ensure at least 95% coverage with two vaccine doses, strengthen surveillance, prioritise high-risk populations, introduce special measures in border areas and reinforce infection control in hospitals.
The organisation said protecting children from preventable diseases is both a constitutional duty and an international obligation, referring to Bangladesh's commitments under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.
