Measles outbreak pushes 89% of families into debt
Graphics: Agamir Somoy
Amid the ongoing measles outbreak in the country, families are not only struggling to save their children’s lives but are also facing a heavy financial burden.
Bangladesh Red Crescent Society (BDRCS) and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) jointly conducted a survey that said six out of every 10 families had to break into their savings to afford measles treatment, while around 89 percent of families were forced to take out loans to cover medical expenses.
The results were released in a press statement on Monday.
The survey aimed to evaluate the social and economic impact of the measles outbreak and provide financial assistance to affected families. For this purpose, the survey was conducted among 2,746 families who received treatment at 12 government medical colleges and district hospitals across the country.
Every participating family reported needing financial assistance to recover from the ordeal. Among them, 35 percent identified medicine as the most urgent need, 33 percent required assistance regarding safe water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), and 22 percent cited a need for food assistance.
Of the families surveyed, 75 percent of the patients were under 4 years old, 19 percent were aged 5 to 17, and 6 percent were over the age of 18.
The press release added that each family spent an average of Tk 16,000 on medical and related expenses. To meet these costs, 4 percent of families were forced to sell assets, and nearly 3 percent had to rely on donations.
Regarding professional backgrounds, 78 percent of the respondents are involved in the informal sector, with monthly incomes ranging between Tk 6,000-20,000. Many lost their income, and some even lost their jobs, due to long hospital stays while caring for sick children or family members.
Based on risk criteria determined by the survey, 2,400 of the most affected families have been selected for emergency cash assistance. The release noted that this assistance amounts to Tk 10,000 per family.
BDRCS Secretary General Kabir M Ashraf Alam said, “According to this assessment, many families have faced not only a health crisis but also a major financial crisis. As part of our emergency response, we are providing cash assistance to the most vulnerable families and simultaneously conducting awareness activities in the community.”
Head of Delegation for the IFRC in Bangladesh Alberto Bocanegra highlighted that the impact of measles is not limited to hospitals, saying, “Many families have faced severe financial constraints while caring for sick children or other family members. The results of this assessment indicate that in public health emergencies, both humanitarian assistance and strong social protection are essential.”
