Dhaka: State Minister for Health Dr. MA Muhith has announced that the government is working tirelessly to ensure the health and well-being of children across the country. 'Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has directed us to give the highest priority to children's health . . . The government is fully committed to fulfilling this responsibility,' he stated.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the minister made these remarks while inaugurating a measles-rubella vaccination campaign at Karail Basti under the Dhaka-17 constituency. Muhith urged political leaders and activists to go door-to-door to raise awareness about vaccination, emphasizing that everyone from all walks of life must actively participate to make the campaign successful.
He highlighted the government's efforts to ensure that healthcare services reach people at their doorsteps, describing the campaign as an opportunity to strengthen the connection with the public. Muhith described measles as a highly contagious disease and noted that the government launched the special campaign within five days of detecting the outbreak. Health workers were immediately deployed to affected areas on a priority basis.
The minister announced that a nationwide measles prevention campaign will begin on April 20. He expressed hope that the outbreak would be contained if most children are brought under vaccination coverage, stressing that at least 95 percent of children must be vaccinated to effectively prevent the disease. Muhith noted that community-wide immunity is essential to stop the spread of the disease.
Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) Administrator Shafiqul Islam Khan, BNP National Executive Committee member Abdus Sattar Patwari, and DNCC Chief Executive Officer Muhammad Asaduzzaman also spoke at the event.