Why do children die from preventable measles disease?

The outbreak of measles among children in the country is alarming. What is more, it is disappointing that a significant number of children have already lost their lives to the disease.

According to newspaper reports, 44 children undergoing treatment at Rajshahi Medical College Hospital from March 10 to 24 lost their lives after not being able to be admitted to the ICU, as the children were suffering from measles and other diseases.

This highlights the severe shortage of critical care facilities in the hospital.

We know that measles is not a fatal disease and can be prevented through treatments.

Nevertheless, the high rate of child mortality has exposed the weaknesses of the health system, as well as the overall irresponsibility.

The World Health Organization warned in 2024 that more than half of the world’s countries would be at high or very high risk of measles outbreaks if urgent action was not taken.

The risk of measles has increased in Bangladesh in recent times due to the vaccine shortage and mismanagement in treatment.

Reportedly, the number of measles cases has crossed 1,500 during the month.

It is not uncommon for some parents to have misconceptions or apathy about vaccinations.

Amidst the concerns, the Ministry of Health has allocated funds to purchase vaccines on an emergency basis to deal with the situation.

If patients get treatment in their own upazila and district levels, they will not have to come to the capital.

So, to reduce pressure of patients, it is important to spread treatment facilities throughout the country.

Meanwhile, the Infectious Diseases Hospital in Mohakhali in the capital has been reserved for measles, and other health facilities.

However, there is no alternative to ensuring adequate medical equipment, medicines, and trained manpower at the upazila and district levels for the rapid identification and treatment of affected children.

It is also important that treatment can be provided at home if the child’s physical condition is normal.

Therefore, it is necessary to promote the first aid treatment of measles at home.

Parents also need to be aware and cautious to avoid unnecessary crowds at hospitals or panicking over minor emergencies.

Therefore, the government, health workers, and the public will have to come forward to address this crisis.

The loss of children’s lives due to a preventable disease like measles cannot be tolerated. The situation could worsen if effective action is not taken now.