DHAKA, Mar 30 (V7N) — Health Minister Sardar Md. Sakhawat Hossain Bakul announced on Monday that a significant consignment of vaccines for six major diseases, including measles, is set to arrive in Bangladesh through UNICEF in the first week of April. The announcement followed a high-level meeting at the Secretariat with U.S. Ambassador Brent T. Christensen, where both nations agreed to intensify cooperation in the healthcare sector.

The government has allocated Tk 604 crore on an emergency basis to procure these life-saving vaccines as part of a strategic response to a recent spike in childhood illnesses. The Minister noted with concern that no large-scale measles awareness or vaccination campaigns had been conducted in the country since 2018, leading to a gap in immunity that the current administration is moving swiftly to close. To manage the rising patient load, particularly among children, the government has already prepared 20 additional ventilators and established dedicated treatment "corners" at key facilities like the DNCC Hospital.

A pivotal outcome of the meeting with the U.S. envoy was the decision to form a five-member joint working group. This bilateral team will be tasked with addressing various health risks, including the management of infectious diseases, the promotion of nursing services, and the enhancement of ICU capabilities. The framework for this working group is expected to be finalized by May, establishing a long-term roadmap for medical collaboration between Dhaka and Washington.

Minister Sakhawat Hossain emphasized that the government is taking all necessary measures to ensure the vaccines are distributed effectively once they arrive next week. He also highlighted that funds have already been transferred to UNICEF to expedite the shipment, underscoring the urgency of the mission. The Ministry of Health remains on high alert, monitoring the situation across all districts to prevent further outbreaks during the high-risk spring season.

The Health Minister reiterated the administration's commitment to a corruption-free health sector, promising that every penny of the allocated Tk 604 crore would be utilized to safeguard the health of the nation's children. With the arrival of the new vaccine stocks, a comprehensive nationwide immunization program is expected to launch, targeting millions of children to achieve the national goal of measles elimination by the end of the year.

END/SMA/AJ