Public health and medical experts addressing a Brac University seminar called for stronger routine vaccination, research-based decision-making, and coordinated action to address the ongoing measles situation in Bangladesh.
The Department of Microbiology under the School of Life Sciences and Brac University Microbiology Student Council organized the seminar titled “The Resurgence of Measles: Recent Outbreaks in Bangladesh and the Path Forward” at the university auditorium on July 19.
Prof Mahmudur Rahman, former director of the Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR), stressed the need for high vaccination coverage, robust disease surveillance, rapid outbreak detection, and community engagement to build confidence in vaccines.
Prof Abid Hossain Molla, senior consultant of the Department of Pediatrics at the Bangladesh Institute of Research and Rehabilitation in Diabetes, Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders (Birdem) Hospital, underlined the importance of early diagnosis and timely treatment.
He said prompt medical attention for every suspected case could significantly reduce complications and prevent unnecessary deaths among children.
Dr Mostafizur Rahman, senior scientist and senior director of the Infectious Diseases Division at icddr,b (the International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh) and head of the Virology Laboratory and Genome Centre, emphasized the centrality of research in understanding the current outbreak.
Brac University pro-vice-chancellor Prof Arshad Mahmud Chowdhury said preventing measles required more than having vaccines available — ensuring they reached people effectively and building community awareness were equally important.
In her welcome address, School of Life Sciences assistant dean Prof Dr Aparna Islam encouraged students to engage in research and innovation to contribute to public health in Bangladesh.
A panel discussion was also held as part of the seminar, focusing on the current measles situation in Bangladesh, vaccination, prevention strategies and the role of research in addressing public health challenges.
The session was moderated by Nadia Sultana Deen, associate professor and chairperson of the Department of Microbiology.
Faculty members, students, and researchers attended the event, which also included an award ceremony recognizing winners of a poster presentation competition on measles awareness.
