Dhaka: The government has initiated a targeted vaccination campaign in 30 upazilas across 18 districts to combat the escalating measles outbreak, with the programme officially starting today.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the vaccination drive focuses on children aged 6 months to 59 months, offering them the measles-rubella vaccine irrespective of their previous vaccination status. This proactive measure commenced at 9 am and is set to continue until 5 pm. Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Husain inaugurated the campaign at the Nawabganj Upazila Health Complex in Dhaka district, reassuring the public that the measles situation is under control and urging them not to panic.
The special vaccination initiative targets specific areas identified as measles outbreak ‘hotspots,’ including upazilas and districts such as Barguna Sadar, Pabna Sadar, Ishwardi, and several others. The programme aims to ensure that only healthy children are vaccinated, with no additional medications administered during the process. The health department advises that children exhibiting fever or illness should defer vaccination until recovery. However, those with fever will receive vitamin ‘A’ capsules as supportive care.
Minister Sakhawat Husain emphasized that vaccinations will be administered daily at designated centres, including locally designated places, schools, and community centres. While the programme begins in high-risk areas, there are plans for a gradual nationwide expansion, integrating it into the regular vaccination programme by July.