Due to a rise in measles infections in different parts of the country, the government is launching an emergency measles-rubella vaccination campaign. The program will be inaugurated simultaneously across the country at 9am on Sunday.
This information was shared at a press conference organized by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Saturday.
It said that measles infections have recently increased in several areas, particularly affecting young children. The government is addressing the situation with the highest priority, and the emergency vaccination campaign has been launched as part of that effort.
Following consultations with national and international experts, the National Technical Advisory Committee on Immunization recommended this emergency measles-rubella vaccination drive. The campaign is part of an integrated prevention plan aimed at quickly controlling the spread of infection and protecting children at risk.
All children under the age of five will be included in the campaign, regardless of whether they have previously been vaccinated.
The program will be implemented in phases. In the first phase, it will begin in 30 high-risk areas. It will then gradually expand nationwide based on the disease situation and field-level preparedness, with completion targeted by May 21.
The official inauguration of the campaign will take place simultaneously across the country at 9am on Sunday. The health minister will inaugurate the program in Nawabganj, the home minister in Cox’s Bazar, the state minister in Pabna Sadar, a BNP chairperson’s adviser in Nalchity of Jhalokati, and the health secretary in Gazipur.
Parents have been urged to bring all children under five to designated vaccination centres. However, children who have a fever or are currently ill will not be vaccinated at this time and should receive the vaccine after full recovery.
All children infected with measles or suspected of infection will be given vitamin A capsules.