Experts at BRAC University Seminar Call for Stronger Vaccination Drive to Tackle Measles

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Public health and medical experts have urged stronger routine immunization, evidence-based decision-making, and coordinated efforts to address the ongoing measles situation in Bangladesh at a seminar hosted by BRAC University.

The Department of Microbiology under the School of Life Sciences, in collaboration with the 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 Sunday, according to a media statement.

Speaking at the event, Professor Mahmudur Rahman, former director of the Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR), emphasized the importance of maintaining high vaccination coverage, strengthening disease surveillance, ensuring rapid outbreak detection, and enhancing community engagement to build public confidence in vaccines.

He also recommended targeted supplementary immunization activities in areas reporting higher numbers of measles cases.

Professor Abid Hossain Molla, senior consultant in the Department of Pediatrics at the Bangladesh Institute of Research and Rehabilitation in Diabetes, Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders (BIRDEM) Hospital, highlighted the need for early diagnosis and timely treatment.

He said prompt medical care for every suspected measles case could substantially reduce complications and help prevent avoidable child deaths.

Dr Mostafizur Rahman, senior scientist and senior director of the Infectious Diseases Division at icddr,b, as well as head of the Virology Laboratory and Genome Centre, stressed the importance of research in understanding the current outbreak.

He said it was essential to determine the reasons behind this year's rise in cases and examine whether changes in the virus, vaccine effectiveness, or other contributing factors played a role.

BRAC University Pro-Vice-Chancellor Professor Arshad Mahmud Chowdhury said that preventing measles requires more than ensuring vaccine availability, noting that effective vaccine delivery and greater public awareness are equally important.

He added that collaboration among experts in public health, microbiology, and biotechnology could strengthen research, inform policy development, and improve public awareness.

Professor Dr Aparna Islam, assistant dean of the School of Life Sciences, encouraged students to pursue research and innovation to support public health initiatives in Bangladesh.

The seminar also featured a panel discussion on the current measles situation in Bangladesh, vaccination efforts, prevention strategies, and the role of research in addressing public health challenges.