About 61 percent of targeted children have been vaccinated under the ongoing national measles and rubella vaccination programme, the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) said on Wednesday, noting progress despite limitations in laboratory capacity.
The update was shared at a press briefing held in the afternoon at the DGHS headquarters in Mohakhali, Dhaka, where officials also presented the latest data on infection trends and related deaths.
DGHS Director General Professor Prabhat Chandra Biswas said the government is administering a free single-dose measles-rubella vaccine. He said that, according to DHIS-2 data, out of a target of around 1.90 crore children, nearly 9 lakh have so far been brought under the vaccination programme.
“This represents around 61 percent coverage, which is encouraging,” he said.
He added that the first phase of the campaign covered 30 districts, including 30 upazilas and 13 municipalities, where infection rates have remained comparatively low.
“Measles transmission among children in those areas is very low,” he noted.
On logistics, he said vaccines and necessary supplies have been ensured at field level, while routine Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) vaccines are being gradually integrated into the supply chain.
“Routine EPI vaccines are available at the field level, and additional supplies will arrive in the first week of next month,” he said.
The DGHS chief thanked development partners including UNICEF, GAVI, WHO, BRAC and the Red Crescent for their support in implementing the programme.
Expressing optimism about the upcoming campaign, he said, “With collective efforts, the Measles-Rubella Vaccination Campaign 2026 will be fully successful and no child will be left unvaccinated.”
Responding to questions, he acknowledged limitations in laboratory capacity, saying sample processing from across the country is causing delays.
“There are some constraints. Samples are coming from all over the country, which is taking additional time,” he said. Officials also confirmed that there is no shortage of vaccines.
On dengue preparedness, the DGHS said inter-ministerial coordination is underway and a detailed action plan will be announced soon.
