Dhaka: The ‘Emergency Measles-Rubella Vaccination Campaign-2026’ has officially begun to ensure the safety of children in the Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) area. The programme was inaugurated at the Nagar Bhaban auditorium in the capital today, marking a significant step towards combating infectious diseases among the younger population.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, a total of 402,456 children have been targeted for vaccination under this campaign. To facilitate this effort, 540 vaccination centres have been established throughout the city corporation area, with 90 being permanent and 450 temporary. The campaign aims to vaccinate children aged between six months and five years daily from 9 am to 4 pm, continuing until May 11.
Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Husain, who addressed the inaugural function as the chief guest, emphasized that infectious diseases, including measles, can be controlled through coordinated efforts. He noted that the programme has already commenced in 30 upazilas across 18 districts and has now been launched simultaneously in four city corporations, including Dhaka South.
Minister Sakhawat Husain also highlighted the quick launch of the ICU unit at the Mohakhali Infectious Diseases Hospital, attributing its success to the cooperation from UNICEF and the World Health Organization. Additionally, he urged city dwellers to remain vigilant in preventing dengue.
State Minister for Road Transport, Highways and Railways, Habibur Rashid Habib, who attended the event as a special guest, expressed concern over the rising measles outbreak and stressed that the government is placing the highest priority on the programme. He called on the media to actively contribute to raising public awareness about the issue.
Following the inauguration, DSCC Administrator Md Abdus Salam and State Minister Habibur Rashid inspected the vaccination programme at the Khilgaon Nagar Matri Sadan centre and participated in a cleanliness drive as part of the campaign’s initiatives.