Measles deaths caused by negligence Says NCC Administrator

Narayanganj City Corporation (NCC) Administrator Advocate Sakhawat Hossain Khan has alleged that the resurgence of measles in Bangladesh and the resulting in deaths of children were caused by the negligence of both the former government and the interim government.

He made the remarks while inaugurating the National Vitamin A Plus Campaign on Sunday (June 28).

He said that Vitamin A capsules play a vital role in strengthening children’s immunity and reducing complications associated with measles.

As part of the first round of the National Vitamin A Plus Campaign, nearly 140,000 children across the Narayanganj City Corporation area have begun receiving Vitamin A capsules.

According to the administrator, regular government-led measles vaccination programmes had been carried out in the past but were later disrupted.

As a result, measles infections increased across the country, and negligence contributed to child fatalities.

He added that Vitamin A helps boost children’s immune systems and effectively reduces the severity of measles-related complications.

Sakhawat Hossain Khan said the campaign aims to provide Vitamin A capsules to approximately 140,000 children aged between six and 59 months within the city corporation area.

The programme is being conducted from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm at 340 centres, including 144 permanent and temporary EPI centres across the city’s 27 wards. Around 800 health workers have been deployed to carry out the campaign.

“Children are the future of the nation. Ensuring their good health is the responsibility of every parent,” he said, adding that the government provides various healthcare services for children, with Vitamin A supplementation being one of the most important.

He further noted that Vitamin A capsules help prevent night blindness, reduce the risk of diarrhoea and anaemia, and support children’s normal physical growth and development.

Expressing optimism, he said the campaign would achieve its target coverage. Children who miss the scheduled day will be able to receive Vitamin A capsules from their respective centres within the following 15 days.