Southeast University holds panel discussion on measles prevention
The Department of Pharmacy at Southeast University, in collaboration with the Southeast Pharmacy Club, hosted a high-level national panel discussion on measles prevention and awareness at the university campus in Dhaka on 2 July.
Titled "Measles Awareness and Prevention: Critical Review from National Health Experts", the event convened leading public health experts to address Bangladesh's recent measles resurgence, ongoing outbreak investigations, and strategies for effective mitigation.
The panel featured Professor Doctor Md Abid Hossain Mollah, Professor and Senior Consultant of Paediatrics at BIRDEM; Doctor Quazi Ahmed Zaki, Director of the Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research; Professor Doctor Mahmudur Rahman, former director of the Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research; and Doctor Mustafizur Rahman, Senior Director of icddr,b.
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Brigadier General Doctor Md Saidur Rahman (retired), Team Leader of the Aalo Clinics, moderated the discussion.
Ahead of the panel, experts delivered presentations. Professor Doctor Md Abid Hossain Mollah spoke on "Measles: A Small Virus with Big Consequences", while Doctor Quazi Ahmed Zaki presented on "Measles Outbreak Investigation in Laksham, Cumilla and Louhajang, Munshiganj, 2026".
Professor Doctor Mahmudur Rahman discussed "Measles Resurgence in Bangladesh and Mitigation Efforts, 2026", while Doctor Mustafizur Rahman addressed "Measles Outbreak in Bangladesh: An Inevitable Crisis".
Presentations and discussions offered insights into the causes of the resurgence, the status of outbreak investigations, public health challenges, and potential mitigation strategies in Bangladesh.
Speakers highlighted the urgent need to strengthen routine immunisation, improve disease surveillance, and raise public awareness to prevent further outbreaks and protect vulnerable communities.
Professor Doctor M Mofazzal Hossain, Pro Vice-Chancellor of Southeast University; Doctor Israt Jahan Bulbul, Chairperson of the Department of Pharmacy; and Professor Doctor Md Selim Reza, Adviser to the Department of Pharmacy, attended the event.
Professor Doctor Hasnat M Alamgir, Director of the Institute of Research and Training at Southeast University, concluded the event with a vote of thanks.
More than 250 students, faculty members, staff, and invited guests participated in the event and contributed to the discussion.
The interactive session enhanced participants' understanding of measles prevention, the importance of routine immunisation, and the role of future healthcare professionals in controlling vaccine-preventable diseases.
