UN steps up vaccination of Rohingyas as measles cases rise up in Bangladesh

An increase in the number of suspected measles cases among the newly arrived Rohingya and their host communities in southern Bangladesh has prompted the Government and UN partners to step up immunization efforts in overcrowded camps and makeshift shelters close to the border with Myanmar

An increase in the number of suspected measles cases among the newly arrived Rohingya and their host communities in southern Bangladesh has prompted the Government and UN partners to step up immunization efforts in overcrowded camps and makeshift shelters close to the border with Myanmar.

Nearly 360 000 people in the age group of six months to 15 years among the new Rohingya arrivals in Cox’s Bazar and their host communities, irrespective of their immunization status, would be administered measles and rubella  vaccine through fixed health facilities, outreach vaccination teams, and at entry points into Bangladesh.

Measles is a childhood killer disease which can be particularly dangerous among unimmunized and malnourished children,  is one of the major health risks among the over  611 000 people who have crossed over to Bangladesh from Myanmar since late August and are now living in cramped and insanitary conditions  in Cox’s Bazar district.

As of 4 November, one death and 412 suspected cases of measles have been reported among the vulnerable populations living in camps, settlements, and among the host communities in Cox’s Bazar. Of them, 352 cases are from Ukhia and 46 from Teknaf sub-districts, and 11 have been reported from the district hospital.

Edouard Beigbeder, UNICEF Bangladesh Representative said, "Children are especially at risk from outbreaks of measles and other communicable diseases that result from the crowded living conditions, malnutrition and severe lack of water and sanitation in the camps and other sites. To halt any wider outbreak, it’s essential that coordinated efforts begin immediately to protect as many children as possible."

Dr N Paranietharan, WHO Representative to Bangladesh said, "As part of stepped up vaccination efforts, 43 fixed health facility sites, 56 outreach vaccination teams and  vaccination teams at main border entry points will administer MR vaccine to population aged six months to 15 years, along with oral polio vaccine to children under five years and TT vaccine to pregnant women. These efforts are aimed at protecting and preventing the spread of measles among the vulnerable population."

More than 70 vaccinators from government and partners have been trained to deliver routine vaccination though fixed sites and outreach teams beginning tomorrow, while vaccination at entry points at Subrang, Teknaf, is ongoing since 1 November.