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DHAKA, May 17, 2026 (BSS)- Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Hossain today said, to tackle the measles and dengue situation in the country, emphasis must be placed on prevention and public awareness rather than just treatment.
 
He made the remarks as the chief guest at a seminar titled "Public Awareness and Prevention are the Best Ways to Control Measles and Dengue" organized by the Doctors Association of Bangladesh (DAB) at the Jahur Hossain Chowdhury Hall of the National Press Club here.
 
Sakhawat Hossain said, "If breastfeeding, nutritious food, cleanliness, isolation, and timely vaccination can be ensured, both measles and dengue can be largely brought under control. Therefore, we must emphasize prevention and public awareness over treatment."
 
He further said, "Previously, it was thought that children up to 6-9 months of age have immunity through their mother's milk. But now, even children of that age are getting measles. The main reasons are malnutrition and not receiving breast milk."
 
Highlighting the severity of measles, he said, "Most patients are later affected by pneumonia after measles. In many cases, even after recovering from measles, death occurs due to secondary infection and pneumonia."
 
The Health Minister said, "After 2020, there was a major shortfall in the regular measles vaccination program in the country. At one point, there was even no measles vaccine available in the country. Later, following the Prime Minister's instructions, vaccines were collected on an emergency basis with the help of UNICEF and Gavi."
 
Noting that the measles mortality rate is decreasing, he said, "On April 5th, a vaccination program was initiated in 30 upazilas of 18 affected districts. Later, activities were launched across the country, including four city corporations. Now, children who have not received the vaccine are being traced out by going door-to-door. The number of cases is also decreasing significantly."
 
The keynote paper on measles was presented by Dr. Farhana Haque, Associate Professor of Community Medicine Department at Holy Family Hospital, and the keynote paper on dengue awareness was presented by Dr. Md. Sayem, Research Editor of DAB.
 
The seminar was presided over by the acting president of DAB Professor Dr. Md. Abul Kenan. Former Secretary General of DAB and Member of Parliament Dr. Md. Abdus Salam, Secretary General of DAB Dr. Md. Jahirul Islam Shakil, and Chief Adviser Professor Dr. Farhad Halim Donar were present as special guests.