Photo: BMU

DHAKA, May 18, 2026 (BSS) - Expert physicians and researchers have stressed the importance of ensuring breastfeeding for children and strengthening Vitamin A supplementation campaigns as key measures to prevent and control measles in Bangladesh.

They also called for boosting immunity, early detection and treatment, and rapid expansion of vaccination coverage to address the recent resurgence of the disease.

The observations were made at a seminar titled "Resurgence of Measles in Bangladesh: Today's Infection and Tomorrow's Health Risks," held at Bangladesh Medical University in the capital. 

The event was organized by the Central Seminar Sub-Committee at the university's 'A' Block Auditorium.

Presenting a paper, Dr. Jesmin Morshed, Associate Professor of the Pediatrics Department at Bangladesh Medical University (BMU), said measles is a preventable disease, but outbreaks continue due to gaps in vaccine coverage. 

She noted that children under five and those suffering from malnutrition are at higher risk of complications, and stressed vaccination, immunity strengthening, rapid identification, isolation, and prompt treatment as essential control measures.

Another paper titled "Measles: From the Dream of Eradication to the Reality of Outbreak" was presented by Dr. Sharmin Sultana, Assistant Professor of Virology. 

She said measles-related deaths have significantly declined in Bangladesh due to expanded child immunization under the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI). 

However, she warned that vaccine hesitancy, COVID-19-related disruptions in routine immunization, malnutrition, population density, and migration have led to immunity gaps and renewed outbreaks in several countries.

Dr. S. M. Rashed Ul Islam, Associate Professor of Virology, in his paper said that active measles transmission is currently ongoing in Bangladesh, with a significant immunity gap among children due to missed EPI doses. 

He emphasized emergency vaccination, Vitamin A supplementation, nutritional rehabilitation, strengthened routine immunization, and improved coverage monitoring.

The seminar was chaired by Professor Dr. Afzalun Nessa, Head of the Virology Department and President of the Central Seminar Sub-Committee, and moderated by Dr. Khaled Mahbub Morshed Mamun, Associate Professor of Internal Medicine.

Among others, Bangladesh Medical University Pro-Vice-Chancellors Professor Dr. Md. Abul Kalam Azad (Administration), Professor Dr. Md. Nazrul Islam (Academic), Professor Dr. Md. Mujibur Rahman Howlader (Research and Development), and Treasurer Professor Dr. Nahrin Akhtar spoke at the event.

In his remarks, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Administration) Professor Dr. Abul Kalam Azad urged all concerned, including patients' relatives, to ensure safety of physicians while delivering healthcare services. "Do not obstruct medical services by attacking doctors; allow them to work freely," he said.

Professor Dr. Nahrin Akhtar stressed ensuring breastfeeding for mothers of measles-affected children, eliminating malnutrition and strengthening comprehensive management to save lives and enhance immunity.