Dhaka: A special nationwide measles-rubella vaccination campaign is set to commence tomorrow, targeting children aged 6 to 59 months in high-risk areas. Initially, the program will be rolled out simultaneously in 30 upazilas across 18 districts, prioritizing young children within the specified age group.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the announcement was made today at a press briefing held at the Bangladesh Secretariat by Health and Family Welfare Adviser Sardar Md. Sakhawat Hossain. He revealed that the vaccination drive would start at 9 am across the selected upazilas. The initiative has been undertaken based on recommendations from national and international experts who identified high-risk areas needing immediate intervention.
The targeted upazilas for the first phase include Godagari in Rajshahi, Nawabganj in Dhaka, Louhajang, Sadar, and Srinagar upazilas in Munshiganj, Nalchity in Jhalokathi, Trishal, Sadar, and Fulbaria upazilas in Mymensingh, Haimchar and Sadar upazilas of Chandpur, Mehendiganj and Bakerganj upazilas of Barishal, Ishwardi, Sadar, Atgharia and Bera upazilas of Pabna, Porsha of Naogaon, Gazipur Sadar, Atpara upazila of Netrokona, Jazira upazila of Shariatpur, Barguna Sadar, Madaripur Sadar, Maheshkhali and Ramu upazilas of Cox's Bazar, and Sadar, Shibganj, and Bholahat upazilas of Chapainawabganj, Natore Sadar, and Sadar upazila of Jashore districts.
The government has established key guidelines for the campaign: children aged 6-59 months will be vaccinated regardless of prior vaccination status, children with fever or illness should receive the vaccine after recovery, and vitamin A capsules will be given to children who are infected or have fever, while healthy children will receive only the vaccine.
According to the minister, approximately 82% of measles-rubella cases occur among children under five years of age, prompting the government to prioritize this demographic. Vaccinations will be administered daily from 9 am to 5 pm at designated centers, including existing vaccination sites, schools, and community centers.
The Health Ministry noted that the campaign would gradually expand nationwide and is expected to become part of the routine immunization program by July. Addressing a question about declining vaccination rates in 2025, the minister emphasized that the government's current focus is on protecting children rather than investigating past trends. Senior officials, including representatives from the Health Ministry and public health experts, were also present at the briefing.