Dhaka, May 23 (V7N) – Health Minister Sardar Md. Sakhawat Hossain has said that doctors and nurses working in measles-affected areas will not be granted leave during the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha holiday.
He made the announcement during a briefing held at the Secretariat in Dhaka on Saturday (May 23) afternoon.
The minister said the decision was taken to ensure uninterrupted medical services amid the ongoing measles situation, as the disease remains highly contagious. He also urged families to avoid taking infected children to crowded places or visiting relatives during the Eid holidays to prevent further spread.
Referring to the broader public health situation, the minister alleged that past administrative failures had contributed to vaccine shortages, leaving the current system under pressure. He emphasized that priority is now being given to saving children’s lives.
He further noted that, according to health experts, antibodies typically take three to four weeks to develop after vaccination, meaning continued caution is necessary during this period. While he said the number of cases is not increasing sharply, he added that there is also no significant decline yet.
Health authorities continue to monitor the situation in measles-affected regions across the country.
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