Shafaqna Pakistan: A deadly measles outbreak in Bangladesh has killed hundreds of children and left thousands of families struggling with the financial burden of medical treatment.
Official health figures show that at least 844 children have died from the vaccine-preventable disease since March 15, while more than 112,000 people have sought care at hospitals across the country.
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society said nine in every 10 households affected by the outbreak had to borrow money to meet healthcare costs.
IFRC Head in Dhaka Alberto Bocanegra said the consequences of the outbreak extend far beyond hospital treatment, with many families continuing to face serious financial strain. He stressed that humanitarian support and robust social protection measures are crucial to helping communities cope during public health emergencies.
Aid organisations assessed the conditions of 2,746 families who brought their children for treatment at 12 government medical centres. Although treatment is provided free of charge at public hospitals, related expenses rise quickly. The survey found that 35% of families needed financial assistance to buy medicines, while 22% required support for food.
Most affected families belong to low-income communities that rely on informal or daily wage jobs, with monthly incomes ranging from 48 to 160 US dollars (approximately Rs13,000 to Rs44,000).
According to the report, affected families spent an average of more than 130 US dollars on treatment and related expenses.
One survey participant, Hazera Khatun, said treatment at government hospitals is free, but families must bear other costs themselves. She said she had to pay nearly 200 US dollars for an ambulance to reach a hospital in Dhaka.
The report also noted that many parents and caregivers lost their jobs after spending extended periods in hospitals caring for sick children.
Bangladesh Red Crescent Society Secretary General Kabir M. Ashraf Alam said the findings show that many families are facing not only a medical crisis but also severe financial pressure.
Source: Dunya News
