A CRISIS THAT DID NOT HAVE TO HAPPEN
Recent reports of rising child deaths linked to measles have once again exposed serious weaknesses in Bangladesh’s public health system. What makes the situation more alarming is that this crisis was not entirely unavoidable. It reflects a combination of disrupted immunization programs, administrative gaps, and a failure to respond in time.
TWELVE DISTRICTS AND COUNTING
Measles has now spread across at least 12 districts, with seven districts reporting particularly high numbers of infections. This is not just a statistic. Behind each number is a child, a family, and a preventable tragedy. Public health experts have long warned that even short disruptions in vaccination coverage can lead to outbreaks of highly contagious diseases like measles. Unfortunately, those warnings appear to have gone unheeded.
20 MILLION DOSES, AND STILL A FAILURE
One of the most concerning aspects is that vaccine supply itself was not the main issue. Reports indicate that nearly 20 million doses of vaccines were available. However, due to shortages in trained personnel, weak logistics, and poor coordination, these vaccines could not be administered effectively. This points to a systemic failure, not a resource failure.
NINE MONTHS OF MISSED VACCINATIONS
Equally troubling is the disruption of routine MR (Measles-Rubella) vaccination programmes for nearly nine months. Immunization is not a one-time effort; it requires consistency, planning, and monitoring. Many children missed their scheduled doses during this period, leaving them vulnerable. As a result, immunity gaps widened, creating the perfect conditions for an outbreak.
A LEGACY OF SUCCESS NOW UNDER STRAIN
In the past, Bangladesh had earned international recognition for its success in child health and immunization, especially in the Hasina regime. Large-scale vaccination campaigns, strong community outreach, and coordinated public health strategies significantly reduced child mortality and controlled diseases like measles. That progress now appears to be under strain.
QUESTIONS OVER INTERIM GOVERNMENT’S RESPONSE
Criticism has emerged regarding the role of the Interim Government under Jamat-backed Dr. Muhammad Yunus. The administration under Interim Government did not give due priority to essential health services, especially routine immunization programs that are critical for preventing outbreaks such as measles. There are also broader governance concerns, including limited transparency, weak institutional coordination, and delays in decision-making. In the context of a public health emergency, such shortcomings go beyond administrative failure; they can lead to serious and irreversible human consequences, disproportionately affecting children and other vulnerable populations. The Interim Government failed to prioritize essential health services, particularly routine immunization. Concerns have also been raised about governance issues, including lack of transparency and weak institutional coordination. In times of public health risk, delays and inaction can have direct and devastating consequences.
BEYOND BLAME: WHAT NEEDS TO HAPPEN NOW
At the same time, it is important to move beyond political blame and focus on urgent corrective action. Strengthening frontline health workforce, restoring routine immunization programs, and ensuring last-mile vaccine delivery must become immediate priorities. Public awareness campaigns are also essential to rebuild trust and encourage parents to complete their children’s vaccination schedules.
A WAKE-UP CALL BANGLADESH CANNOT AFFORD TO IGNORE
Child deaths from preventable diseases should never become normalized. Each loss is a reminder of responsibility unmet. Bangladesh has shown in the past that it can build an effective and inclusive public health system. The current crisis should serve as a wake-up call to restore that commitment with urgency, accountability, and transparency.
Writer: Parvez Hashem, Lawyer and Human Rights Defender
