The first meeting of the National Verification Committee for Measles and Rubella (NVC) took place in Dhaka on 31st July 2016.
During the meeting it was reported that the number of measles and rubella cases in Bangladesh decreased from 788 and 12,963 cases, respectively, in 2010, to 240 and 189 cases, respectively, in 2015. By 2014, the measles and rubella campaign had successfully vaccinated approximately 53 million children between the ages of 9 months and 15 years in Bangladesh. However, surveillance data for 2016 has shown that the number of cases of laboratory-confirmed measles has doubled compared to 2015. Epidemiological investigations show that cases of laboratory-confirmed measles and rubella mostly occurred in border districts and densely populated urban areas, possibly with low vaccination coverage and low population immunity. It is important to note that the sensitivity of measles/rubella surveillance has also increased recently compared to previous years.
In line with global measles and rubella control and elimination strategies, Bangladesh aims to achieve 95% measles vaccine coverage and eliminate measles by 2018 and achieve 95% rubella vaccine coverage and decrease rubella cases by 90% by 2018. The NVC recommends improving routine immunization coverage to mitigate the risk of outbreaks and also consider conducting a measles follow-up campaign in late 2017. WHO Bangladesh provided technical support for the meeting and will continue supporting the programme in the future. The next meeting is expected to be held in September 2016.