Measles-Rubella special vaccination campaign begins

A special measles-rubella vaccination campaign has been launched in 30 selected upazilas across 18 districts in response to a rising measles outbreak in the country.

Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Hossain inaugurated the campaign at 9:00am on Sunday (5 April) in Nawabganj of Dhaka.

The vaccine will be administered to children aged six months to under five years.

State Minister for Health and Family Welfare Dr. M A Muhit stated that children who are already suffering from measles or fever will not be given the vaccine at this stage. He added that the programme will gradually expand to other areas experiencing a surge in measles cases.

The State Minister assured that the government is fully prepared to tackle the outbreak and expressed hope that the vaccination programme would help bring the situation under control quickly.

He urged all parents to ensure their children are vaccinated and to actively participate in making the campaign a success.

The 30 upazilas are: Barguna Sadar upazila and municipality; Ishwardi, Atgharia, Bera, and Sardar upazila and municipality of Pabna; Mehendiganj and Bakerganj upazilas of Barishal; Haimchar, Sadar upazilas, and municipality of Chandpur; Maheshkhali and Ramu upazilas of Cox’s Bazar; Nawabganj upazila of Dhaka; Gazipur Sadar upazila; Jashore Sadar upazila; Nalchity upazila of Jhalakathi; Madaripur Sadar upazila; Louhajang, Sreenagar, and Sadar upazilas of Munshiganj; Trishal, Phulpur, and Sadar upazilas of Mymensingh; Natore Sadar upazila; Atpara upazila of Netrakona; Porsha upazila of Naogaon; Shibganj, Bholahat, and Sadar upazilas of Chapainawabganj; Godagari upazila of Rajshahi; and Zajira upazila of Shariatpur.