Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Hossain has said the government is implementing a range of measures to prevent measles outbreaks and reduce child mortality, with the overarching goal of bringing every child under immunisation coverage to build a strong protective immunity barrier.
The minister made the remarks in a written reply to a starred question from ruling party lawmaker Shammi Akter of the reserved women's seat during the 15th sitting of the second session of the 13th National Parliament on Thursday.
Highlighting the government's initiatives, Sakhawat Hossain said the authorities are attaching the highest priority to containing measles outbreaks. However, vaccine hesitancy, incomplete immunisation, lack of public awareness, and, in some cases, geographical and social barriers continue to contribute to the spread of the disease.
He noted that determining responsibility for any outbreak depends on thorough investigations and evidence-based assessments.
The minister said accountability for measles-related outbreaks and deaths is assessed on the basis of investigations and relevant data. If negligence, dereliction of duty or failure in responsibilities by any official is established, disciplinary and administrative action is taken in accordance with existing laws and regulations.
He further said that vaccine procurement, storage and distribution under the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) are carried out in line with international standards and government regulations.
Any concerns over whether changes in vaccine procurement procedures have adversely affected immunisation activities will be reviewed through technical assessments and analysis of relevant data, he added. Appropriate legal and administrative measures will be taken if any negligence or misconduct by individuals or institutions is identified.
To prevent similar situations in the future, the government has already undertaken initiatives to ensure uninterrupted vaccine supply, strengthen vaccine stock management, expand disease surveillance, enhance rapid outbreak detection and response mechanisms, increase public awareness, and reinforce coordination with national and international partners.
The minister also said special immunisation drives are continuing to expand measles vaccination coverage and protect vulnerable populations across the country.