At a World Health Day seminar jointly organized by Gonoshasthaya Kendra and Gono University in Savar, speakers revealed that 36 widely used antibiotics have lost their effectiveness due to growing antimicrobial resistance. The event, held at the PHA Auditorium with Dhaka-19 Member of Parliament Dr. Dewan Md. Salauddin as chief guest, followed a rally on the university campus. Professor Dr. Mahmudul Hasan Shikder of Bangladesh Agricultural University presented the keynote paper, linking global travel, environmental change, and unhealthy food habits to the spread of new diseases.

Professor Dr. Farida Yasmin of Gonoshasthaya Samajbhittik Medical College stated that the 36 antibiotics no longer work against some common infections, and six new antibiotics have shown little promise. She urged physicians to stop indiscriminate antibiotic use and to inform patients about proper dosage and side effects. The seminar emphasized coordinated efforts across human, animal, and environmental health sectors to ensure safe food and effective disease control.

Gono University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Md. Abul Hossain called for continuing the mission of late Dr. Zafrullah Chowdhury to achieve universal primary healthcare through collective action.

Health Minister Sardar Md. Shakhawat Hossain has announced that the government is taking necessary steps to recruit 100,000 health workers in line with its current election manifesto. He made the statement in parliament on Tuesday, April 7, while responding to a starred question from ruling party member Ikramul Bari Tipu, representing Naogaon-4.

The minister detailed recent recruitment efforts, noting that on January 22 of the current year, 2,984 assistant surgeons and 279 dental surgeons were appointed through the 48th BCS, while 98 assistant surgeons (MBBS) and 22 dental surgeons were recruited through the 44th BCS. Additionally, on December 18 of the previous year, 162 assistant surgeons (MBBS doctors) were appointed through the 27th BCS.

These initiatives reflect the government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the national healthcare workforce and fulfill commitments outlined in its electoral pledges.

Prime Minister’s Political Affairs Adviser and BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has called for coordinated efforts by the government, the Health Ministry, medical professionals, and public health stakeholders to contain the ongoing measles outbreak. Speaking at a rally marking World Health Day in Dhaka, he warned that misinformation, superstition, and neglect in the health sector have increased the risk of measles, and that failure to act swiftly could worsen the situation.

Rizvi said the current outbreak has claimed 38 lives between mid-March and April, with Rajshahi, Chapainawabganj, and Mymensingh identified as hotspots. He noted that seven children died within 24 hours nationwide, urging immediate action from health authorities. He criticized the lack of attention to healthcare over the past 15 years and highlighted insufficient funding for medical research, saying that allocations of only a few lakh taka and added VAT on journal reviews hinder scientific progress.

He expressed hope that patriotic doctors and health workers would respond quickly and effectively to prevent further spread of measles and safeguard public health.

Prime Minister’s Information and Broadcasting Affairs Adviser Dr. Zahed Ur Rahman announced that the government aims to vaccinate all children against measles across Bangladesh by May 21, ahead of Eid-ul-Azha. He made the statement during a press briefing at the Secretariat’s PID conference room on Tuesday. The adviser said that a new outbreak of measles has emerged and that the current government is taking the issue seriously to contain it.

According to Dr. Rahman, vaccination activities have already begun in 30 upazilas across 18 districts. From April 12, the campaign will expand to Dhaka North and South, Mymensingh, and Barishal, and from May 3, it will be conducted nationwide. The first phase targets 30 high-risk hotspot areas, with gradual expansion based on field readiness and disease conditions.

He added that isolation facilities have been arranged in government hospitals, health workers’ leave has been canceled, and doctors’ presence in district and upazila hospitals is being ensured. The adviser expressed sorrow over child deaths from measles and pledged to prevent such situations in the future.

Bangladesh’s Health Minister Sardar Md. Shakhawat Hossain informed Parliament that a total of Tk 4,394 crore 8 lakh 25 thousand has been spent so far on purchasing COVID-19 vaccines. He disclosed the figure on Tuesday during a session of the 13th National Parliament in response to a written question from Feni-2 lawmaker Zainal Abedin. The session was presided over by Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed.

According to the minister, a total allocation of Tk 4,685 crore 22 lakh 2 thousand 297 was made from the 2020–21 fiscal year for importing and purchasing vaccines and related equipment. Of this, Tk 30 crore 88 lakh 80 thousand was spent on syringes, Tk 19 crore 57 lakh 3 thousand 354 on transportation, and Tk 99 lakh 78 thousand 980 on syringe shipping and charges.

Responding to a question about possible irregularities in vaccine procurement, the minister stated that no specific complaints or information had been received by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. He added that the government remains committed to ensuring transparency and accountability and will take appropriate action if any irregularities are detected.

An emergency meeting of the Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) technical committee on mosquito control was held on Monday morning at the Gulshan Nagar Bhaban. The session, chaired by DNCC Chief Health Officer Brigadier General Imrul Kayes Chowdhury, reviewed ongoing dengue prevention activities and discussed future strategies. DNCC Administrator Md. Shafiqul Islam Khan, attending as chief guest, said that different insecticide combinations will be tested in multiple laboratories, and decisions will be based on the results. He also announced plans for special public awareness campaigns on mosquito control.

The meeting focused on identifying new and more effective insecticides. Kurigram Agricultural University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Md. Rashedul Islam warned of a possible rise in dengue during the upcoming monsoon and emphasized early preparation. He noted that resistance to the larvicide temephos has been observed in some countries and recommended biological control methods and multi-site testing. Entomologist Professor Dr. Kabirul Bashar reported that malathion showed better results than novaluron and temephos in tests and suggested considering Bti as an alternative. Public health expert Professor Dr. Benazir Ahmed stressed source reduction and improved waste management as key to sustainable mosquito control.

At a webinar titled “Sustainable Financing to Combat Hypertension: Bangladesh Perspective,” experts emphasized the urgent need for increased and sustained funding to address the growing prevalence of hypertension and other noncommunicable diseases in Bangladesh. The event, organized by PROGGA with support from the Global Health Advocacy Incubator ahead of World Health Day, highlighted that hypertension now tops the list of the country’s ten most common diseases, according to the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics’ Health and Morbidity Status Survey 2025. Noncommunicable diseases account for 71 percent of total deaths, yet only 4.2 percent of the national health budget is allocated to this sector.

Speakers noted that despite the government’s decision to supply hypertension medication through all community clinics, inadequate funding has hindered consistent distribution, limiting access for marginalized populations. Health officials and experts, including representatives from the Health Economics Unit, National Heart Foundation, and Dhaka University, called for increased budget allocations, efficient fund management, and effective implementation of public health policies to ensure uninterrupted medicine supply and reduce premature deaths.

Participants stressed that ensuring sustainable financing in the 2026–27 national budget is essential to strengthen hypertension control and protect public health nationwide.

Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md. Sakhawat Hossain has attributed the current measles outbreak to mismanagement by previous governments. He made the remark on Sunday while inaugurating a measles vaccination campaign at the Nawabganj Upazila Health Complex in Dhaka.

The minister announced that measles vaccinations will begin simultaneously across all districts and upazilas on May 3. In Dhaka North and South City Corporations, as well as in Mymensingh and Barishal, vaccinations will start earlier on April 12. He also stated that the government has initiated the process of purchasing measles vaccines using 604 crore taka that remained unspent during the COVID-19 period.

According to World Health Organization data cited by the minister, 82 percent of measles patients are under five years old, and this group will be prioritized for vaccination, with others to follow in phases.

An emergency vaccination campaign against measles and rubella began in Mymensingh on Sunday morning to protect children from the two infectious diseases. The program was inaugurated at Churkhai Islamia Senior Fazil Madrasa center by Member of Parliament Abu Wahab Akand Wahid. Health officials, local administrators, and community representatives attended the event. On the first day, vaccination centers saw large crowds of parents eager to immunize their children.

According to the Directorate General of Health Services, the campaign aims to vaccinate 164,500 children aged six to 59 months across Sadar, Trishal, and Phulpur upazilas. Parents expressed relief after receiving the vaccines, saying they were worried by recent reports of measles-related hospitalizations and deaths in different parts of the country. The campaign is being conducted in phases to ensure full coverage.

Mymensingh Medical College Hospital reported that 19 new children showing measles symptoms were admitted in the past 24 hours, with 63 currently under treatment and six deaths recorded so far. Authorities said the government is prioritizing rapid implementation to curb the outbreak and strengthen child health protection.

Prime Minister’s Health Adviser Ziauddin Haider announced that the government has launched an emergency measles-rubella vaccination campaign to curb the rapid rise of infections among children. Speaking on Sunday morning at the Dudhlemou vaccination center in Bakerganj, Barishal, he said the government aims to bring every child under the vaccination program within the scheduled timeframe.

Haider emphasized that ensuring full vaccination coverage will keep the nation’s children healthy and safe. He assured that there will be no shortage of vaccines and noted that several international health organizations are assisting in the campaign. The event was attended by Barishal City Corporation Administrator Advocate Bilkis Jahan Shirin, Divisional Health Director Shyamal Chandra Mondal, District Commissioner Khairul Alam Suman, Upazila Executive Officer Rumana Afroze, and Upazila Health Officer Dr. Sumi Akter.

Local political and community representatives were also present at the inauguration, reflecting broad support for the nationwide immunization initiative.

Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md. Shakhawat Hossain announced that a nationwide special measles vaccination campaign will begin on May 3. He stated that the severity of measles is no less than that of COVID-19. The announcement was made at the inauguration of the measles vaccination program in Nawabganj on Sunday morning. According to the minister, all children of eligible age will receive the measles vaccine, and vitamin A capsules will also be administered.

The minister added that the special vaccination campaign will start from next Sunday in Dhaka North and South City Corporations, as well as in Mymensingh and Barishal districts. State Minister for Health and Family Welfare Dr. M A Muhith said the government has taken swift action to address shortages and ensure smooth implementation of the program. He urged public cooperation to bring all children under vaccination coverage.

Health department sources said the campaign was launched urgently due to a rapid increase in measles infections among children. The government aims to vaccinate all targeted children within the scheduled period.

Bangladesh began a special measles vaccination campaign on Sunday across 30 upazilas in 18 districts, targeting children aged 6 to 59 months. The program will run for three weeks, excluding Fridays and public holidays, with vaccines available daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Health Minister Sakhawat Hossain inaugurated the campaign in Dhaka’s Nawabganj, while other senior officials launched it in Cox’s Bazar, Pabna, Jhalakathi, and Gazipur. The initiative aims to protect all children under five, regardless of prior vaccination status.

According to the Directorate General of Health Services, 6,476 people have been hospitalized with measles symptoms over the past 20 days, with 98 deaths reported. The special vaccination areas were selected based on expert recommendations identifying infection “hotspots.” Alongside vaccination, children showing measles symptoms will receive vitamin A capsules. Parents have been urged to bring healthy children to designated centers but to delay vaccination for those currently ill.

The health ministry stated that the campaign seeks to ensure no child remains unprotected as the country faces a surge in measles cases.

Pediatric specialist Dr. Abid Hossain Molla advised that children who have already received two doses of the measles vaccine do not need to be vaccinated again. He explained that the first dose should be administered at nine months of age and the second at fifteen months. According to him, these two doses provide sufficient immunity against measles, eliminating the need for additional vaccination. Parents were urged to follow the recommended schedule and seek medical advice when necessary.

Meanwhile, Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Sakhawat Hossain Bokul announced that starting Sunday at 9 a.m., measles vaccinations will be administered to children aged six months to under five years in 30 upazilas across 18 districts. Alongside the vaccine, vitamin A capsules will be provided to sick children. The minister assured that no child will be left out of the vaccination program and that there is no risk of side effects for those previously vaccinated.

He added that the situation remains under control and urged the public not to panic.

The government of Bangladesh has declared 30 locations across 20 districts as measles hotspots following a rise in infections. Health Minister Sardar Md. Sakhawat Hossain announced the decision at a press conference at the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Saturday, April 4, 2026. A special emergency vaccination campaign will begin on Sunday, April 5, with the goal of completing it by May 21, before Eid-ul-Azha.

The first phase of the campaign will target the 30 high-risk areas, including locations in Barguna, Pabna, Chandpur, Cox’s Bazar, Gazipur, Chapainawabganj, Netrokona, Mymensingh, Rajshahi, Barishal, Naogaon, Jashore, Natore, Munshiganj, Madaripur, Dhaka, Jhalokathi, and Shariatpur. The initiative, guided by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, aims to bring all children under vaccination coverage as quickly as possible.

The Health Ministry advised that children currently suffering from fever or illness should receive the vaccine only after recovery. Additionally, vitamin A capsules will be provided to measles-affected or suspected children to help reduce complications.

The government of Bangladesh has announced an emergency vaccination campaign to curb the rising spread of measles. Starting Sunday, April 5, at 9 a.m., the special program will be conducted across 30 upazilas in 18 districts. All children aged six months to under five years will receive the measles vaccine under this initiative. Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md. Sakhawat Hossain Bakul shared the details at a press conference on Saturday, April 4.

The minister urged the public not to panic, stating that while the situation remains under control, the campaign aims to build rapid protection in high-risk areas. Districts such as Barguna, Pabna, Chandpur, Chapainawabganj, Natore, and Jashore are among those included due to recent increases in measles cases.

In addition to the vaccine, children will also receive vitamin A capsules, though only sick children will be given the supplement. The minister assured parents that children who have already received the measles vaccine in regular programs can safely participate again without any health risks.