Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Husain said Sunday that measles infections are on the decline. He also expressed hope that coordinated efforts will ensure the protection of children.
He was speaking as the chief guest after inauguration of the Measles-Rubella vaccination campaign in Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) area at the Nagar Bhaban Auditorium.
Sakhawat said that while the measles outbreak emerged suddenly and severely, prompt interventions have brought the situation under control.
He also informed that a special vaccination programme, which began on 5 April across 30 upazilas in 18 districts, is now being expanded to the most densely populated regions, including Dhaka north, Dhaka south, Mymensingh, and Barishal city corporations.
The minister emphasised that the risk of measles would be significantly reduced if all children aged between six months and five years are brought under the vaccination campaign.
He called upon the people, alongside city corporation officials and employees, to support the initiative. He further said the need to popularise the campaign in every neighbourhood and alley to ensure that no child is left behind.
Turning his attention to the dengue season, the minister issued a cautionary note, urging for the immediate strengthening of mosquito control and public awareness activities.
He advised citizens to remain vigilant and ensure that water does not accumulate in or around their homes. Specifically, he mentioned that stagnant water in tyres, coconut shells, old containers, drains, or any other vessels must be cleared promptly.
“The fight against dengue cannot be won by the government alone; it requires the active participation of the public,” Sakhawat said.
He underscored the importance of ensuring the quality and correct application of insecticides in mosquito eradication efforts.
Sakhawat remarked that spraying medicine mixed at the prescribed dosage is essential to destroy flying mosquitoes.
During the event, the health minister expressed his gratitude to UNICEF, the World Health Organization (WHO), and other international partners for their cooperation, voicing his hope that such international support for vaccination programmes would continue in the future.
The ceremony was attended by DSCC Administrator Abdus Salam, State Minister Habibur Rashid Habib, and senior officials from UNICEF and the health department.
