The government is scheduled to launch an emergency Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccination campaign nationwide starting from 9am this Sunday.
Health Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Hossain shared these details during a press conference held at the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Saturday. The ministry has specifically advised that children who are currently ill or suffering from a fever should not receive the vaccine until they have made a full recovery.
Furthermore, children suspected of having measles or those already infected will be administered Vitamin A capsules, which are instrumental in reducing the risk of complications.
This emergency initiative has been organised under the guidance and direct supervision of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, with the primary goal of ensuring all children across the nation are brought under a protective umbrella in the shortest possible timeframe.
The campaign will initially focus on 30 upazilas within 18 high-risk districts before expanding nationwide, with the government aiming to finish the task by 21 May 2026, prior to the holy Eid-ul-Adha.
The 30 upazilas slated for the primary phase of the programme include Barguna Sadar, Mehendiganj and Bakerganj in Barishal, Haimchar and Sadar in Chandpur, and Maheshkhali and Ramu in Cox’s Bazar.
The list also includes Nawabganj in Dhaka, Gazipur Sadar, Jashore Sadar, Nalchity in Jhalakathi, Madaripur Sadar, and Louhajang, Sadar, and Sreenagar in Munshiganj.
Additionally, the vaccination drive will cover Trishal, Sadar, and Phulpur in Mymensingh, Natore Sadar, Atpara in Netrokona, Porsha in Naogaon, and Shibganj, Sadar, and Bholahat in Chapainawabganj. The remaining areas identified for the start of the campaign are Ishwardi, Sadar, Atgharia, and Bera in Pabna, Godagari in Rajshahi, and Zajira in Shariatpur.
