A nationwide emergency measles-rubella vaccination campaign began on Monday to combat the current outbreak of the disease. The initiative aims to vaccinate around 18 million children aged between six months and five years.
Assistant Director of the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) Hasanul Mahmud confirmed the matter. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will inaugurate the campaign in Bogura. Vaccinations started at 8am onwards at all permanent and temporary centres on all days except weekly holidays.
Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Husain launched the programme at 8:15am at the Little Angel Seminary in Zinda Park, located in the Rupganj upazila of Narayanganj.
Moreover, inaugural ceremonies will be organised by local government and private institutions across every district, upazila, municipality, and city corporation, in the presence of local representatives and dignitaries.
Hasanul said the campaign covers 30 upazilas across 18 districts and four city corporations, targeting a total of nearly 18 million children. The first phase of the programme, which began on 5 April, will continue until 25 April, while the phase that started on 12 April is scheduled to run until 12 May.
In city corporation areas, this special campaign will continue until 20 May, whereas in other parts of the country, it will conclude on 12 May. The government previously initiated the drive in 30 upazilas across 18 districts on 5 April, followed by a second phase on 12 April that simultaneously covered four key city corporations: Dhaka South, Dhaka North, Barishal, and Mymensingh.
Sakhawat stated, “Measles-rubella vaccination campaign is starting nationwide from Monday. I hope the measles situation will come under control within the next 1 week.”
Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) issued advice for parents, suggesting that children who are currently ill or have a fever should wait until they are fully recovered before being vaccinated. Additionally, a child must not receive the measles vaccine if four weeks have not yet passed since their first dose.
