Measles-Rubella special vaccination campaign begins Sunday

A special measles-rubella vaccination campaign will kick off on Sunday, prioritising children aged six months to 59 months in 30 upazilas across 18 districts.

Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md Sakawat Hossain announced the programme at a press briefing at the secretariat on Saturday afternoon. He said the drive will start simultaneously at 9am in the selected upazilas.

“The campaign has been launched after identifying high-risk areas based on recommendations from national and international experts,” the minister said.

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The 30 upazilas selected for the first phase include-- Godagari in Rajshahi, Nawabganj in Dhaka, Louhajang, Sadar and Srinagar upazilas in Munshiganj, Nalchity in Jhalokathi, Trishal, Sadar and Fulbaria upazilas in Mymensingh, Haimchar and Sadar upazlas of Chandpur, Mehendiganj and Bakerganj upazilas of Barishal, Ishwardi, Sadar, Atgharia and Bera upazilas of Pabna, Porsha of Naogaon, Gazipur Sadar, Atpara upazila of Netrokona, Jazira upazila of Shariatpur, Barguna Sadar, Madaripur Sadar, Maheshkhali and Ramu upazilas of Cox's Bazar, Sadar, Shibganj and Bholahat upazilas of Chapainawabganj, Natore Sadar and Sadar upazila of Jashore districts.

On the inaugural day, senior officials from the Ministry of Health will oversee the campaign at five centres, while local administrations and civil surgeons will manage activities in the remaining upazilas.

The government has finalised some key guidelines including children aged 6-59 months will be vaccinated, regardless of prior vaccination status, children with fever or illness should receive the vaccine after recovery, vitamin A capsules will be given to the children who are infected or have fever, healthy children will receive only the vaccine.

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According to the minister, about 82% of measles-rubella cases occur among the children under five years of age, prompting the government to prioritize this group.

Vaccination will be provided daily from 9am to 5pm at designated centres, schools, and community centres.

The Health Ministry noted that the campaign will gradually expand nationwide and is expected to become part of the routine immunisation programme by July.

Regarding concerns about lower vaccination coverage in 2025, Sakawat Hossain said the government’s primary focus is the protection of children, rather than dwelling on past gaps.

The press briefing was attended by

State Minister for Health and Family Welfare Dr MA Muhit, public health expert Dr SM Ziauddin, Health Secretary Kamruzzaman Chowdhury, and Director General of the Directorate General of Health Services Prof Dr Prabhat Chandra Biswas were also present at the briefing.