Measles vaccine demand in Chattogram division hits 73.5 lakh, stock only 83,000

The demand for measles vaccines in the Chattogram division stands at over 73.5 lakh doses, while only 83,000 doses are currently in stock, according to the Chattogram Divisional Health Department.

Dr Sheikh Fazle Rabbi, director of the Chattogram Health Department, confirmed to The Business Standard (TBS) that a total demand for 7,376,235 vaccine doses has already been submitted to the Ministry of Health.

He said, "Based on the demand received from 11 districts and two city corporations in the division, a coordinated plan has been developed to vaccinate children aged between six months and 10 years."

He added that the department currently has only 83,000 doses in stock, and an additional 200,000 doses are urgently needed to address the immediate situation. 

Available vaccines will be distributed on a priority basis to city corporations, districts, and upazilas, considering demand and infection rates, he said.

Meanwhile, the infection has spread alarmingly among children in Chattogram. 

According to the latest update, two more children have died after showing symptoms of measles and pneumonia at Chattogram Medical College Hospital.

Doctors said around 70% of the infected and deceased children had not yet reached the eligible age for vaccination. 

Although measles vaccination typically begins at nine months, children younger than five months are now also being infected, raising concern.

In response, the government has announced plans to lower the minimum age for measles vaccination to six months.

Health department sources told TBS that recently, hospital admissions of children with symptoms of measles and pneumonia have increased across several districts in the division. 

Hundreds of children are currently undergoing treatment at both government and private hospitals.

So far, no cases of measles or pneumonia have been reported in Rangamati district. However, measles-like symptoms have spread across several districts including Chattogram, Cox's Bazar, Cumilla, Feni, Noakhali, Chandpur, and Brahmanbaria. 

Among these, children in Chattogram city and Cox's Bazar are considered most at risk.

Brig Gen Mohammad Taslim Uddin, director of Chattogram Medical College Hospital, told TBS, "Two children from Cox's Bazar have died while undergoing treatment for measles and pneumonia at CMCH. Among the 49 admitted children, there are patients from both within and outside Chattogram city."

Health experts say seasonal changes, gaps in vaccination coverage, and lack of awareness in some areas may have contributed to the situation. 

Remote and hard-to-reach regions are particularly vulnerable due to lower immunisation coverage.

Dr Fazle Rabbi told TBS, "Vaccine demand has been determined based on data from 11 districts and two city corporations, including the three hill districts. We will receive the doses in phases accordingly."

He added, "Compared to urban and upazila areas, special vaccination efforts in the three hill districts will require military support. Alongside health workers, the army and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) will assist, including transporting vaccines to remote hill tracts by military helicopters to ensure no child is left out."

Hospitals in Chattogram are also taking special measures to treat patients with measles and pneumonia symptoms, Dr Rabbi said.

The Bangladesh Institute of Tropical and Infectious Diseases (BITID) has been kept ready, and Ward No 8 of Chattogram Medical College Hospital will be designated for treating measles patients, he added.

According to health department data, district-wise vaccine demand is as follows:

Chattogram: 1,242,729 doses

Cox's Bazar: 700,105 doses

Cumilla: 1,223,780 doses

Feni: 315,425 doses

Noakhali: 936,180 doses

Lakshmipur: 481,852 doses

Brahmanbaria: 886,393 doses

Chandpur: 603,773 doses

Bandarban: 91,723 doses

Rangamati: 111,590 doses

Khagrachhari: 123,841 doses

Chattogram City Corporation: 580,363 doses

Cumilla City Corporation: 78,484 doses