Measles Outbreak: Emergency vaccination drive begins today
An emergency nationwide measles-rubella vaccination campaign will begin on Sunday across the country, targeting children aged six to 59 months in high-risk areas.
The initiative is being launched due to a recent surge in measles cases, particularly among young children.
The first phase of the programme will focus on 30 upazilas in 18 districts, with vaccination centres operating daily from 9 am to 5 pm.
The Health and Family Welfare Adviser, Sardar Md. Sakhawat Hossain, made the announcement at a
press briefing at the Bangladesh Secretariat on Saturday.
The selected upazilas for the initial phase include Godagari in Rajshahi, Nawabganj in Dhaka, Louhajang, Sadar, and Srinagar in Munshiganj, Nalchity in Jhalokathi, Trishal, Sadar, and Fulbaria 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, Jazira in Shariatpur, Barguna Sadar, Madaripur Sadar, Maheshkhali and Ramu in Cox’s Bazar, Sadar, Shibganj, and Bholahat in Chapainawabganj, Natore Sadar, and the Sadar upazila of Jashore district.
All children within the six to 59-month age range in these upazilas will receive the measles-rubella vaccine, regardless of whether they have been previously immunised.
However, children suffering from fever or other illnesses will not be vaccinated until they have fully recovered.
The vaccination programme will be implemented in phases, with the first stage covering the identified high-risk areas.
The initiative is expected to expand nationwide, gradually reaching all districts and eventually becoming part of the routine immunisation schedule by July 2026.
Minister Sakhawat Hossain highlighted that approximately 82 per cent of measles-rubella cases occur among children under five, which prompted the prioritisation of this demographic.
The ministry also clarified that children who are currently ill or suspected of having measles will receive Vitamin A capsules, and their vaccinations will be scheduled after they have fully recovered.
The emergency vaccination campaign comes as measles cases rise across the country.
According to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), 787 suspected measles cases were reported in the last 24 hours, with 60 confirmed as measles.
Tragically, two deaths due to measles were recorded during this period, adding to the 16 confirmed measles-related deaths and 98 suspected measles deaths since March 15.
Meanwhile, a dedicated eight-bed ward for measles patients has been set up at Bangladesh Medical University (BMU) in the capital, where four patients are currently receiving treatment.
Additionally, a screening centre has been opened at the hospital to monitor and treat suspected cases.
Health officials are urging parents to ensure that their children are brought to the designated vaccination centres during the campaign.
The initiative is part of a broader effort to curb the ongoing outbreak and prevent further spread of the disease.
With the government focused on protecting children from measles, Minister Sakhawat Hossain stated, “Our primary focus is the safety and health of the children.
We are not investigating past trends, but prioritising immediate action to combat this rising health threat.”
The vaccination will take place daily from 9 am to 5 pm at local community centres, schools, and designated vaccination points, ensuring broad access for families in the affected regions.
