Sakhawat blames 4-year measles vaccination delay for child deaths

The minister made the remarks on Saturday while formally inaugurating the second phase of the measles vaccination campaign at the Korail TNT playground in Banani.

The second phase of a special measles-rubella (MR) vaccination campaign has launched to vaccinate around 3.4 million children who were left out of the first phase. 

The campaign will continue until October 31.

Sakhawat Hossain said the vaccination programme had remained suspended from December 2020 to April 2026, while delays in importing vaccines from abroad, allegedly on the pretext of following an open tender system, further hindered the response.

“The nation has had to pay the price for this negligence and delay. Many mothers have lost their children.''

Expressing deep condolences, the minister said around 1,000 children had died after contracting measles out of approximately 18.5 million children targeted under the campaign.

“Every child’s death is a matter of immense pain and shame for the government.''

According to the minister, the government launched the vaccination drive in three phases from April 5 soon after assuming office. Since April 20, the nationwide campaign has vaccinated around 18.5 million children, Sakhawat Hossain said.