Diseases once largely under control in Bangladeshโsuch as measlesโare re-emerging, raising serious public health concerns. Experts warn that disruptions in the national immunization program, combined with administrative complications, have created a growing health crisis, with children bearing the brunt of the impact.
In recent years, Bangladeshโs Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) had achieved significant success by providing free vaccines to children across the country. This effort led to a notable decline in infectious diseases such as measles and polio, and contributed to reducing child mortality rates. However, that progress now appears to be at risk.
Following the assumption of power by the interim government in August 2024, a key operational plan within the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) was reportedly canceled. According to multiple sources within the health sector, this decision disrupted vaccine procurement and supply chains. As a result, shortages have been reported in several critical vaccines, including those for measles-rubella, polio, tuberculosis, pneumonia, diphtheria-tetanus, and hepatitis B.
A senior official from the DGHS acknowledged that changes in the vaccine procurement strategy contributed to the complications. The government initially shifted from direct procurement through international partners to an open tender process, but later reversed the decision. During this period of transition, routine immunization services were significantly disrupted.
Public health experts caution that prolonged interruptions in vaccination programs can quickly lead to the resurgence of infectious diseases. Reports are already emerging from different parts of the country indicating a rise in measles cases, along with some associated fatalities.
Dr. Nizam Uddin, Chairperson of the Steering Committee of the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI), stated that routine immunization activities have been disrupted for nearly a year. He emphasized the urgent need to launch a nationwide measles catch-up campaign to contain the outbreak.
Meanwhile, concerns have also been raised about the response of the current government, which assumed office following recent political developments. Critics argue that, despite the passage of several weeks, there has been no visible large-scale initiative to resolve the vaccine shortage.
Health experts stress that immediate action is essentialโensuring vaccine supply, restoring routine immunization services, and launching emergency campaigns to prevent further spread of disease.
They warn that if the shortage persists, not only measles but other vaccine-preventable diseases could resurface, posing a serious threat to public health.
Ultimately, the crisis underscores a critical reality: policy decisions in the health sector have direct consequences for the population, and in this case, the most vulnerableโchildrenโare paying the highest price.
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