Tackling measles requires stronger routine vaccination, research and coordinated action: Experts
Prompt medical attention for every suspected measles case could significantly reduce complications and prevent unnecessary deaths among children, says Professor Dr Abid Hossain Molla.
Public health experts have called for stronger routine immunisation, research-driven decision-making and coordinated action to address the ongoing measles situation in Bangladesh.
They made the remarks at a seminar titled "The Resurgence of Measles: Recent Outbreaks in Bangladesh and the Path Forward," organised by the Department of Microbiology under the School of Life Sciences and the BRAC University Microbiology Student Council at the university auditorium today (19 July).
Professor Dr Mahmudur Rahman, former director of the Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR), stressed the need to maintain high vaccination coverage alongside robust disease surveillance, rapid outbreak detection and greater community engagement to strengthen public confidence in vaccines.
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He also called for targeted supplementary immunisation activities in areas reporting higher concentrations of measles cases.
Professor Dr Abid Hossain Molla, senior consultant of the Department of Pediatrics at the Bangladesh Institute of Research and Rehabilitation in Diabetes, Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders (BIRDEM) Hospital, underscored the importance of early diagnosis and timely treatment.
He said prompt medical attention for every suspected measles case could significantly reduce complications and prevent unnecessary deaths among children.
Dr Mostafizur Rahman, senior scientist and senior director of the Infectious Diseases Division at icddr,b and head of its Virology Laboratory and Genome Centre, emphasised the importance of research in understanding the current outbreak.
He said it was essential to determine why measles cases had surged this year and investigate whether viral changes, vaccine effectiveness or other contributing factors were involved.
BRAC University Pro-Vice-Chancellor Professor Arshad Mahmud Chowdhury said preventing measles required more than ensuring vaccine availability, adding that effective delivery and community awareness were equally important.
He said stronger collaboration among public health, microbiology and biotechnology experts could enhance research, policy formulation and public awareness.
In her welcome address, School of Life Sciences Assistant Dean Professor Dr Aparna Islam encouraged students to engage in research and innovation to contribute to improving public health in Bangladesh.
A panel discussion was also held during the seminar, focusing on the current measles situation in Bangladesh, vaccination, prevention strategies and the role of research in tackling public health challenges.
Moderating the discussion, Nadia Sultana Deen, associate professor and chairperson of the Department of Microbiology, highlighted the need for greater government support for measles-related research to better understand the ongoing outbreak and develop evidence-based prevention and control strategies.
