'UNICEF did warn interim govt 10 times over measle vaccination'

The interim government was warned 10 times regarding the measles vaccine shortage, claimed Rana Flowers, the UNICEF Representative in Bangladesh. She said five to six letters were sent to alert the interim government about the vaccine crisis.

She shared this with media professionals today, Wednesday afternoon, during a press conference on the "Measles Outbreak Situation and Ongoing Prevention Activities" held at the JPG Conference Room of the UNICEF Bangladesh office in the capital.

Rana Flowers noted, "No epidemic actually happens overnight. Such situations arise from specific circumstances, particularly for diseases that are preventable through vaccination."

"The government was warned about the vaccine shortage in at least 10 meetings since 2024. In addition, formal letters were sent 5 to 6 times. Not only the Ministry of Health, but the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was also informed about this matter," she added.

According to her, "We repeatedly pushed to hold emergency meetings with them. We met with the interim advisors and staff at least 10 times. My staff and I said, we are worried. Look at my face to see how worried I am that you are going to face a vaccine shortage. It was clear that if vaccines could not be brought into the country, problems would arise."

The press conference highlighted that routine immunization activities had been disrupted for a long time, leaving many children unvaccinated. This increased the risk of measles spreading and ultimately led to a major outbreak. Currently, the government and development partners are focusing on rapidly strengthening vaccination programs, covering at-risk children, and ensuring special surveillance in affected areas.