Listen to the article
Anti-Vaccination Movements and Health Sector Neglect Fueling Measles Outbreak, Warns Government Advisor
Misinformation campaigns against vaccines combined with superstition and chronic neglect in the health sector have significantly increased the risk of measles across the country, according to Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, BNP senior joint secretary general and advisor to the prime minister on political affairs.
Speaking at the World Health Day 2026 procession in the capital yesterday, Rizvi called for urgent, coordinated action among government agencies, healthcare professionals, and public health stakeholders to contain the rapidly spreading outbreak that has already claimed 38 lives between mid-March and early April.
“The situation could deteriorate rapidly without swift and effective intervention,” Rizvi warned while inaugurating the event that began at the Central Shaheed Minar and concluded at the National Press Club.
The outbreak has hit hardest in Rajshahi, Chapainawabganj, and Mymensingh regions, which Rizvi identified as disease hotspots requiring immediate targeted health interventions. Public health experts confirm these regions have historically shown lower vaccination coverage rates compared to national averages.
This year’s World Health Day theme emphasizes science-based healthcare and safety for all, a point Rizvi underscored while addressing the growing crisis. “Modern medical systems are fundamentally rooted in science, yet we continue to battle dangerous misinformation that undermines public health,” he said.
The rise in anti-vaccine sentiment presents a particular challenge for health authorities. According to recent public health surveys, vaccine hesitancy has increased by nearly 15 percent in rural areas over the past three years. “Such harmful sentiments exist even in developed countries,” Rizvi noted, “but their impact is far more devastating in regions with already fragile healthcare infrastructure.”
Rizvi expressed frustration about the persistence of measles, a preventable disease with a long-established vaccine. “We must ask ourselves why, decades after developing effective vaccines, we haven’t eradicated this disease from our country,” he said.
The current outbreak comes against a backdrop of declining vaccination rates in several districts, particularly in rural and hard-to-reach areas. Health ministry data shows vaccination coverage for the measles-rubella vaccine has dropped from 95% in 2020 to approximately 87% in 2025, falling below the threshold needed for effective herd immunity.
Rizvi didn’t hesitate to criticize previous administrations for mismanagement in the health sector, particularly alleging significant irregularities during the COVID-19 pandemic. “People rightfully expect their government to respond promptly with necessary resources during any disease outbreak,” he stated, suggesting that public trust in health institutions had been damaged by past failures.
Insufficient funding for medical research emerged as another key concern in Rizvi’s address. The current health research budget represents just 0.3% of GDP, well below the 1% minimum recommended by the World Health Organization for developing nations. “Current allocations are woefully inadequate to support meaningful scientific work or effective disease surveillance systems,” Rizvi argued.
Public health experts have echoed Rizvi’s concerns. Dr. Fahmida Khatun, Director of the Institute for Public Health Research, told reporters, “Vaccination programs require consistent funding, public education, and healthcare worker training. Any disruption to these elements creates vulnerabilities that diseases like measles quickly exploit.”
The measles outbreak has placed additional strain on an already burdened healthcare system. Many rural health complexes report shortages of isolation facilities, diagnostic equipment, and trained personnel to handle the increasing caseload.
Rizvi concluded his address with a call for increased investment in medical research and urged the medical community to take a more proactive role in combating epidemic-prone diseases. “Only through science-based approaches, improved vaccination coverage, and robust public health infrastructure can we prevent future outbreaks,” he emphasized.
Health Ministry officials have announced plans to launch an emergency vaccination campaign targeting the affected regions within the next week.
Fact Checker
Verify the accuracy of this article using The Disinformation Commission analysis and real-time sources.
8 Comments
This is a concerning outbreak that requires a coordinated response. Misinformation about vaccines is a serious threat to public health that needs to be addressed urgently. I hope the government is able to ramp up vaccination efforts in the hardest-hit regions.
Absolutely, vaccination is crucial for preventing the spread of measles. Combating misinformation and ensuring access to accurate, science-based information should be top priorities.
This is a concerning development. I hope the government’s efforts to coordinate a response and target the hardest-hit regions are successful in bringing the measles outbreak under control. Misinformation poses a real public health threat that needs to be addressed.
The regions with lower vaccination coverage are particularly vulnerable, so targeted health interventions are critical. I’m glad the government advisor is calling for swift action to contain this outbreak before it worsens.
Agreed. Proactive measures like increasing vaccination rates and public education campaigns are essential to get this situation under control.
It’s troubling to hear that superstition and neglect in the health sector have contributed to this measles outbreak. Combating misinformation and ensuring access to quality healthcare must be part of the solution.
Absolutely. Tackling the root causes, like lack of healthcare infrastructure and anti-vaccine sentiment, will be crucial for preventing future outbreaks.
Measles can be a very serious illness, so I hope the authorities are able to quickly mobilize resources and coordinate a effective response. Containing the outbreak and preventing further loss of life should be the top priority.