Desk Report:
Public health and medical experts have emphasized the importance of strengthening regular vaccination, research-based decision-making and coordinated efforts to combat the ongoing measles situation in Bangladesh.
These issues were raised in a seminar titled “The Resurgence of Measles: Recent Outbreaks in Bangladesh and the Path Forward” organized by the Department of Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, BRAC University and the BRAC University Microbiology Student Council. The seminar was held at the university auditorium on Sunday (July 19, 2026).
Former Director of the Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR) Professor Dr. Mahmudur Rahman emphasized high vaccination coverage, effective disease surveillance, rapid outbreak detection and community involvement in measles prevention. He also spoke about the need to build people’s confidence in vaccines. He also emphasized the need to conduct targeted vaccination programs in areas with high incidence.
Senior Consultant, Pediatrics, BIRDEM Hospital, Professor Dr. Abid Hossain Molla, highlighted the importance of early diagnosis and timely treatment in preventing measles. He said that if every suspected patient is brought under treatment quickly, it is possible to reduce complications and save the lives of many children.
Dr. Mostafizur Rahman, Senior Scientist and Senior Director, Infectious Diseases Division, ICDDRB (International Centre for Diarrhoeal Diseases Research, Bangladesh) and Head of Virology Laboratory and Genome Center, highlighted the importance of research to understand the current measles situation. He said that it is important to understand why the measles situation has resurfaced this year. In addition, it is necessary to find out through research whether the virus changes, the effectiveness of the vaccine or any other factor is playing a role behind it.
BRAC University Pro-Vice-Chancellor Professor Arshad Mahmud Chowdhury said that ensuring the availability of vaccines alone is not enough to prevent measles. It is also important to ensure that the vaccine is effectively delivered to the people. He also emphasized on creating comprehensive awareness about measles in the society. He further said that collaboration between public health, microbiology and biotechnology can play a role in research, policy formulation and creating public awareness.
In his welcome address, Assistant Dean of the School of Life Sciences, BRAC University, Professor Dr. Aparna Islam urged students to engage in research and innovation to contribute to public health.
The seminar included a panel discussion on the measles situation, vaccination, disease prevention and the role of research in addressing public health challenges. The discussion was moderated by Dr. Nadia Sultana Deen, Associate Professor and Chairperson, Department of Microbiology, BRAC University. In the discussion, he highlighted the importance of government support for measles-related research to better understand the current measles situation and develop research-based prevention and control strategies.
The seminar was attended by teachers, students and researchers from BRAC University. The winners of the poster presentation competition organized on measles awareness were honored at the event.
