SANGSAD BHABAN, June 25, 2026 (BSS) - Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md. Sakhawat Husain today said in Jatiya Sangsad that the government is implementing various programmes to prevent measles spread and reduce child mortality across the country.

"The government's primary objective is to bring every child under vaccination coverage and build a strong immunity shield against the disease," he said.

The minister made the remarks while responding to a starred tabled question from ruling party reserved-seat lawmaker Mosammat Shammi Akter in the Jatiya Sangsad.

Highlighting the government's initiatives, Sakhawat Husain said the government is attaching the highest priority to tackling measles outbreaks. "However, vaccine hesitancy, incomplete immunisation, lack of public awareness, and, in some cases, geographical and social barriers contribute to the spread of the disease."

He said determining responsibility for any outbreak depends on investigations and evidence related to the specific incident.

Regarding measles-related deaths and outbreaks, the minister said accountability is assessed based on investigations and relevant data. If negligence, dereliction of duty, or misconduct by any official or employee is established, departmental and administrative actions are taken in accordance with existing laws and regulations.

He said vaccine procurement, storage and distribution under the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) are carried out in line with international standards and prevailing government rules.

Whether any changes in vaccine procurement procedures have adversely affected immunisation activities would be reviewed on the basis of relevant data and technical assessments.

"If any negligence or failure in duty by any individual or institution is found during the review, necessary actions will be taken in accordance with existing laws and regulations," he added.

The minister said the government has already undertaken a number of measures to prevent similar situations in the future.

These include ensuring continuity in vaccine supply, strengthening vaccine stock management, expanding disease surveillance activities, enhancing rapid outbreak detection and response mechanisms, increasing public awareness, and reinforcing coordination with national and international stakeholders.

He also noted that special immunisation campaigns are continuing to expand measles vaccination coverage and protect vulnerable population groups across the country.