Rajshahi: A meeting of the Divisional Coordination Committee convened today in the conference room of the Divisional Director of Health to assess the progress and address the shortcomings of the ongoing Measles-Rubella vaccination campaign in Rajshahi Division. The session, organized by the Divisional Health Office, was presided over by Divisional Commissioner Dr. A. N. M. Bazlur Rashid.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the World Health Organization’s representative highlighted that measles has spread to 61 districts across the country, with the exceptions of Panchagarh, Lalmonirhat, and Rangamati. Measles patients identified range from infants as young as 1.5 months to elderly individuals aged 70 years. While the measles mortality rate in developed countries is typically between 1 to 3 percent, it can escalate to 10 percent in developing countries like Bangladesh.
The Measles-Rubella vaccination campaign began on April 20; however, vaccinations in measles hotspots within Rajshahi, Pabna, Chapainawabganj, and Naogaon districts commenced earlier, on April 5. This early start has seen the general public vaccinating their children with enthusiasm. By April 25, the number of vaccinations administered in this division surpassed the target. Despite this success, 5 to 6 percent of children under five remain unvaccinated, particularly among children of marginalized, unaware parents who leave home for work daily, leaving their children behind.
In his address, the Divisional Commissioner emphasized that the issues identified during the coordination meeting have been communicated to the Deputy Commissioners, who will implement measures to address them. He remarked, “We each do our own work, but together we also do everyone’s work. There is good coordination among our various departments. Collectively, we will make the Measles-Rubella vaccination campaign a success.”
He further urged the Health Department to ensure the vaccination of excluded children through mobile teams. Members of the Divisional Coordination Committee formed for the Measles-Rubella Vaccination Campaign 2026 attended the meeting.