The Measles-Rubella special vaccination campaign is set to begin tomorrow

A special nationwide measles-rubella vaccination campaign is set to begin tomorrow, targeting children aged 6 to 59 months in high-risk areas.

In its first phase, the programme will be rolled out simultaneously in 30 upazilas across 18 districts, prioritising young children within the specified age group.

The announcement was made today at a press briefing at the Bangladesh Secretariat by Health and Family Welfare Adviser Sardar Md. Sakhawat Hossain, who said the drive will begin at 9am in the selected upazilas. The initiative follows recommendations from national and international experts who identified these areas as high-risk and in need of immediate intervention.

The first-phase coverage includes 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; as well as Natore Sadar and Jashore Sadar.

Under the campaign guidelines, all children aged 6–59 months will be vaccinated regardless of previous vaccination status. Those with fever or illness will receive the vaccine after recovery, while vitamin A capsules will be provided to children who are sick or have a fever. Healthy children will receive only the vaccine.

According to the adviser, around 82% of measles-rubella cases occur among children under five, prompting the government to prioritise this group.

Vaccinations will be administered daily from 9am to 5pm at designated centres, including existing vaccination sites, schools and community facilities.

The Health Ministry said the campaign will gradually expand nationwide and is expected to be integrated into the routine immunisation programme by July.

Responding to a question on declining vaccination rates in 2025, the adviser said the government’s current focus is on protecting children rather than examining past trends.

Senior officials from the Health Ministry and public health experts were also present at the briefing.