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Health and medical experts have emphasized high vaccination coverage, research-backed decision-making, and coordinated initiatives to combat the ongoing hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) situation in Bangladesh.
These recommendations were highlighted at a seminar titled "The Resurgence of HFMD: Recent Outbreaks in Bangladesh and the Path Forward," organized by the Department of Microbiology of the School of Life Sciences in collaboration with the BRAC University Microbiology Students' Council. The event took place on Sunday, July 19, 2026, at the university auditorium.
Professor Dr. Mahmudur Rahman, former director of the Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR), stressed the vital need for high vaccination coverage, effective disease surveillance, rapid outbreak detection, and community engagement. He also noted the importance of building public trust in vaccines and suggested conducting targeted vaccination campaigns in areas with a higher density of infected cases.
Highlighting the urgency of early detection and timely medical care, Professor Dr. Abid Hossain Mollah, a senior consultant in the pediatrics department at Birdem Hospital, stated that bringing every suspected patient under swift medical supervision could significantly reduce complications and save many children.
Dr. Mustafizur Rahman, senior scientist and senior director of the Infectious Diseases Division, as well as head of the Virology Laboratory and Rehab Center at icddr,b, underscored the necessity of research to comprehend the current HFMD crisis. He stated that it is crucial to investigate why the disease has re-emerged so prominently this year, adding that research must determine whether virus mutations, vaccine efficacy changes, or other underlying factors are driving the surge.
Professor Syed Mahfuzul Aziz, Pro-Vice Chancellor of BRAC University, noted that ensuring vaccine availability alone is not enough; creating an efficient distribution system to deliver vaccines effectively to the public is equally vital. He called for positive public awareness campaigns regarding HFMD and added that close collaboration between public health, microbiology, and biotechnology sectors could immensely benefit research, policymaking, and awareness initiatives.
Earlier in the event, Professor Dr. Aparna Islam, Assistant Dean of the School of Life Sciences at BRAC University, delivered the welcome address, encouraging students to engage in research and innovation to contribute meaningfully to public health.
The seminar featured a panel discussion focused on the current HFMD situation, vaccination, disease prevention, and the role of research in overcoming public health challenges. The session was moderated by Dr. Nadia Sultana Deen, Associate Professor and Chairperson of the Department of Microbiology at BRAC University. During the discussion, she emphasized the critical need for government funding in HFMD-related research to better understand the situation and formulate evidence-based prevention and control strategies.
Faculty members, students, and researchers from BRAC University participated in the seminar. The event concluded with an award ceremony honoring the winners of a poster presentation competition held to raise awareness about the disease.
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