Dhaka: Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Husain announced today that a nationwide measles-rubella vaccination campaign will commence on May 3, targeting children across all districts and upazilas in the country. The announcement was made during an event inaugurating the measles-rubella vaccination programme at the Nawabganj Upazila Health Complex in Dhaka.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the health minister emphasized the urgency of this initiative, citing a recent measles outbreak as the driving force behind the special vaccination programme. In a proactive measure, vaccinations will begin in Dhaka north and south city corporations, as well as in Mymensingh and Barishal districts, starting April 12. The programme is set to expand nationwide in phases following the initial rollout.
Minister Sakhawat Husain attributed the measles outbreak to the mismanagement of previous governments and highlighted that, as per World Health Organization data, 82 percent of affected individuals are under the age of 5. Consequently, this age group will receive priority vaccinations, with subsequent phases covering the remaining population.
The vaccination campaign for children aged 6 to 59 months has already kicked off in 30 upazilas across 18 districts. These locations include Godagari in Rajshahi; Nawabganj in Dhaka; Louhajang, Sadar, and Srinagar in Munshiganj; Nalchiti in Jhalokati; Trishal, Sadar, and Phulpur in Mymensingh; Haimchar and Sadar in Chandpur; Mehendiganj and Bakerganj in Barishal; Ishwardi, Sadar, Atgharia, and Bera in Pabna; Porsha in Naogaon; Gazipur Sadar; Atpara in Netrokona; Jajira in Shariatpur; Barguna Sadar; Madaripur Sadar; Maheshkhali and Ramu in Cox’s Bazar; Chapainawabganj Sadar; Shibganj; Bholahat; Natore Sadar; and Jashore Sadar.
The health minister personally inaugurated the vaccination drive at Nawabganj Upazila Health Complex, marking the commencement of this critical public health initiative.