Country has adequate vaccine stock to combat Pneumonia: Health Minister
Staff Correspondent
Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md. Sakhawat Hossain has assured that the country currently holds sufficient stocks of vaccines to combat pneumonia, adding that the government possesses the full capacity to import additional doses if required.
Speaking as the chief guest at a discussion meeting organized by the Bangladesh Pediatric Society at Bangladesh Medical University (BMU) in Dhaka on Thursday to mark World Pneumonia Day, the minister urged healthcare stakeholders to submit specific recommendations on safeguarding children from pneumonia. He stated that the government is prepared to provide all necessary medical equipment and logistical support, and would seek the Prime Minister's direct intervention if needed.
BMU Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. F. M. Siddiqui attended the event as a special guest, while Dean of the Faculty of Pediatrics Professor Dr. Md. Atiar Rahman moderated the session.
Highlighting the root causes of pediatric illnesses, Minister Sakhawat Hossain identified a lack of familial awareness and unhygienic environments as major drivers of pneumonia and other childhood diseases.
To strengthen grassroots healthcare awareness, the minister announced plans to deploy approximately 25,000 Family Welfare Visitors across rural areas to educate mothers on breastfeeding, infant nutrition, and hygiene practices.
