CME and discussion meeting held on the challenges of preventing and managing the resurgence of measles in BMU

Bangladesh Medical University (BMU) organized a CME and round table discussion on the challenges of measles resurgence prevention and management at Shaheed Dr. Milton Hall on Sunday, April 12, 2026. The chief guest was the Vice Chancellor of BMU, Professor Dr. FM Siddiqui. The round table discussion, moderated by Professor Dr. Md. Atiyar Rahman, Dean of the Faculty of Pediatrics, BMU, emphasized vaccination, isolation, and effective disease management to address the challenges of measles outbreak, resurgence prevention, and management among children in Bangladesh. The discussion was attended by pediatricians from the country, BMU, specialist physicians from various medical colleges and...

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Bangladesh Medical University (BMU) organized a CME and round table discussion on the challenges of measles resurgence prevention and management at Shaheed Dr. Milton Hall on Sunday, April 12, 2026. The chief guest was the Vice Chancellor of BMU, Professor Dr. FM Siddiqui. The round table discussion, moderated by Professor Dr. Md. Atiyar Rahman, Dean of the Faculty of Pediatrics, BMU, emphasized vaccination, isolation, and effective disease management to address the challenges of measles outbreak, resurgence prevention, and management among children in Bangladesh. The discussion was attended by pediatricians from the country, BMU, specialist physicians from various medical colleges and institutions, and public health experts from the World Health Organization, UNICEF, and ICDDRB. The discussion focused on strengthening measles vaccination programs, following integrated case management, addressing disease complications, raising awareness on antibiotic use, case-based surveillance, strengthening early detection, effective disease management, outbreak response and preparedness, public awareness and community engagement, policies and government strategies, research and capacity building, monitoring and evaluation, etc. Vice Chancellor of BMU, Professor Dr. FM Siddiqui said, the issues arising from today’s round table discussion on measles prevention and management should be taken to the policy-making level. The proper use of the money allocated for vaccination should also be under accountability. She said, it should be considered whether booster doses can be given to adolescents to prevent measles. There is a need for research on various related issues including surveys in measles prevention. So that scientifically sound information can be presented to policy makers. The Vice Chancellor said that the panelists said that in the case of children, measles infection is being seen even before six months, which was not previously thought. This indicates that the immunity received from the mother’s body is not reaching the child properly in all cases. In this situation, the issue of booster vaccination needs to be seriously considered. For this, a large-scale study should be conducted on pregnant mothers to assess their immunity status. Based on the research, if necessary, a policy decision can be taken to provide additional vaccination to adolescent girls, which will help protect the future generation. It is important to present such scientific and important information to the general public in a simple way. Every epidemic is a warning for us. It is time to consider how prepared we are for the next major epidemic. The main article was presented by Dr. Jasmine Morshed, Associate Professor of the Department of Pediatrics, BMU. In her article, she said that isolated wards are being operated at BMU to provide medical care to measles patients. It is important to successfully implement the ongoing vaccination program to prevent measles. Because this disease can be prevented if vaccinated on time. BMU Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research and Development) Professor Dr. Md. Mujibur Rahman Howlader, Treasurer Professor Dr. Nahrin Akhtar, Dean of the Faculty of Basic Science and Paraclinical Science Professor Dr. Saif Ullah Munshi, Chairman of the Department of Neonatology Professor Dr. Md. Abdul Mannan, Director (Planning and Development) Professor Dr. Erfanul Haque Siddiqui, Pediatrician Professor Dr. Abed Hossain Molla, Dr. Tasmin Zara, Professor Dr. Md. Monir Hossain, Professor Dr. Mahbubul Haque, Professor Dr. Mizanur Rahman, Dr. Binod Baro-ya, Dr. Chiranjit Das, Dr. Tajul Islam A Bari, ICDDRB Dr. Lobaba Sharmin, among others, spoke at the discussion. Professor Dr. Nahrin Akhtar, in her speech, sheds light on what women can do before, during, and after pregnancy to protect themselves from measles. Dean of the Faculty of Basic Science and Paraclinical Science, Professor Dr. Saif Ullah Munshi, said, “The measles outbreak is causing great damage in the future. We need to identify why the measles outbreak has resurfaced. We also need to find out where the problems lie in vaccination.” Professor Dr. Abed Hossain Molla said in his speech that measles is a highly contagious virus that damages various organs of the body. Children who are very sick need to eat two eggs daily. Currently, it is important to ensure the supply of necessary medical equipment to combat measles. In addition, special importance should be given to the issue of isolation, including the establishment of isolation wards to prevent the spread of infection. Professor Dr. Atiar Rahman said, “Currently, it is seen that children under 6 months of age are also being infected with measles. Therefore, the right thing to do in this case must be determined and implemented now.” Experts say that there is no need to immediately isolate the patient just because they have a fever. However, if a rash appears on the body after four days, then the patient should be kept in isolation. Edited by Dr. Saiful Azam Ranju.