Public health and medical experts addressing a BRAC University seminar have called for stronger routine vaccination, research-based decision-making, and coordinated action to address the ongoing measles situation in Bangladesh.

The Department of Microbiology under the School of Life Sciences and BRAC University Microbiology Student Council organized the seminar titled “The Resurgence of Measles: Recent Outbreaks in Bangladesh and the Path Forward” at the university auditorium on Sunday, said a media statement.

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Professor Mahmudur Rahman, former director of the Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR), stressed the need for high vaccination coverage, robust disease surveillance, rapid outbreak detection, and community engagement to build confidence in vaccines.

He also called for targeted sub-immunization activities in areas with higher case concentrations.

Professor Abid Hossain Molla, senior consultant of the Department of Pediatrics at the Bangladesh Institute of Research and Rehabilitation in Diabetes, Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders (BIRDEM) Hospital, underlined the importance of early diagnosis and timely treatment.

He said prompt medical attention for every suspected case could significantly reduce complications and prevent unnecessary deaths among children.

Dr Mostafizur Rahman, senior scientist and senior director of the Infectious Diseases Division at icddr,b (the International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh) and head of the Virology Laboratory and Genome Centre, emphasized the centrality of research in understanding the current outbreak.

He said it was critical to identify why the upsurge occurred this year and to investigate whether changes in the virus, vaccine effectiveness, or other contributing factors were involved.

BRAC University Pro-Vice-Chancellor Professor Arshad Mahmud Chowdhury said preventing measles required more than having vaccines available — ensuring they reached people effectively and building community awareness were equally important.

He added that collaboration across public health, microbiology and biotechnology could strengthen research, policy development and public awareness.

School of Life Sciences Assistant Dean Professor Dr Aparna Islam encouraged students to engage in research and innovation to contribute to public health in Bangladesh.

A panel discussion was also held as part of the seminar, focusing on the current measles situation in Bangladesh, vaccination, prevention strategies and the role of research in addressing public health challenges.