In Bangladesh’s parliament, Brahmanbaria-2 MP Rumin Farhana voiced concern over child deaths from measles and a severe vaccine shortage. During a special discussion chaired by Speaker Hafiz Ahmed, she criticized mismanagement in the health sector. Health Minister Sardar Sakhawat Hossain acknowledged the vaccine shortfall but said the government had stabilized the situation.

Rumin alleged that routine immunization suffered major gaps after the COVID-19 period, worsened by unpaid wages of vaccine transport workers for nine months and staff shortages. She cited data showing 98 suspected and 16 confirmed child deaths from measles between March 15 and April 4, and claimed vaccine reserves for 10 diseases were nearly depleted. The minister confirmed the wage arrears and said payments had begun. He added that unused ADB funds of 604 crore taka were being used through UNICEF to procure vaccines, with 419 crore finalized and 200 crore worth already delivered.

Emergency vaccination began on April 5 in 18 high-risk districts, with nationwide campaigns set for May 20 and city programs from April 12. The minister said WHO and UNICEF reported 41 measles deaths and assured that vaccine stocks were now stable.