To curb the rising spread of measles, a special vaccination campaign is set to begin Sunday in 30 upazilas across 18 districts, Health Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Husain announced. The programme aims to be completed by 21 May, he said on Saturday.
“From 9am on Sunday, the campaign will be launched simultaneously in the designated upazilas,” the minister said at a press briefing at the Secretariat.
He explained that the most vulnerable areas have been identified for immediate action, with plans to gradually expand the programme nationwide based on the situation and field readiness.
Senior representatives of the ministry will inaugurate the campaign at five locations, while local civil surgeons will oversee the rest.
The minister will launch the programme in Nawabganj, while the home minister will inaugurate in Cox’s Bazar, the state minister for health in Pabna Sadar upazila, BNP Chairman’s adviser in Nalchhiti of Jhalakathi, and the health secretary in Gazipur.
Minister Sakhawat said, “Our target is to complete the campaign by 21 May, before Eid‑ul‑Azha. This coordinated inauguration reflects the government’s full preparedness and commitment.”
He added that the initiative follows recommendations from national and international experts, including the National Immunisation Technical Advisory Group (NITAG), which identified 30 upazilas under 18 districts as priority zones.
The 30 upazilas are Barguna Sadar, Mehendiganj, Bakerganj, Haimchar, Chandpur Sadar, Moheshkhali, Ramu, Nawabganj, Gazipur Sadar, Jashore Sadar, Nalchity, Madaripur Sadar, Louhajang, Munshiganj Sadar, Sreenagar, Trishal, Mymensingh Sadar, Phulpur, Natore Sadar, Atpara, Porsha, Shibganj, Chapainawabganj Sadar, Bholahat, Ishwardi, Pabna Sadar, Atghoria, Bera, Godagari, and Zajira.
Parents have been urged to bring all children under five years old to designated vaccination centres. Children with fever or illness will not be vaccinated for the time being.
Although the initial plan included children aged 5–10, priority has now shifted to those aged six months to under five years, as 82 percent of measles patients fall within this group.
He assured, “Even if they have received the vaccine before, it can be given again without harm or side effects.”
Vitamin A capsules will be provided to children with measles or symptoms, but not to healthy children receiving the vaccine.
Calling for calm, the minister urged the media not to spread panic. “We are doing everything possible to reduce mortality. Our doctors are working tirelessly to save lives.”
On ICU shortages at Dhaka Shishu Hospital, he acknowledged the rising patient load and said alternative arrangements are being explored.
Regarding reduced vaccination coverage in 2025, he said, “Our priority now is saving lives. Investigating the past won’t help; we must act immediately.”
The minister promised that while this is an emergency initiative, it will later be integrated into regular immunisation programmes. Preparations include vaccine procurement and distribution, strengthening cold chain systems, training health workers, and issuing necessary instructions to all relevant institutions.
Health officials warned the outbreak could be significantly larger than confirmed figures suggest, as suspected cases have reached 5,792, taking the total to 771 confirmed cases since the surge began in mid-March.
Since 15 March, 3,776 suspected patients have been hospitalised across the country, of whom 2,527 have recovered and discharged.
