State Minister for Health Dr M A Muhit has emphasized that all children aged up to 59 months must be vaccinated against measles, warning that individual immunization alone is insufficient without achieving community-wide immunity.
He made the remarks on Sunday while inaugurating a measles-rubella vaccination campaign organized by Dhaka South City Corporation in capital’s Korail area.
The state minister underscored the importance of ensuring full vaccination coverage among children in this age group, urging people from all sectors to work in a coordinated manner to make the emergency campaign successful. He also highlighted the role of political leaders in raising awareness and encouraging families to vaccinate their children.
Stressing the need for widespread immunization, Muhit said at least 95% coverage is essential to effectively reduce the risk of infection.
The nationwide measles vaccination drive is scheduled to begin on April 20, with support from international organizations. The campaign is being jointly implemented by city corporations and the Ministry of Health.
Speaking at the event, Dhaka North City Corporation Administrator Shafiqul Islam Khan Milton said early vaccination can play a key role in controlling both measles and rubella. He added that regular monitoring efforts are already underway.
Earlier, an emergency vaccination campaign was launched on April 5 in 30 upazilas across 18 high-risk districts. The program was expanded on Saturday to include the Dhaka North and South city corporations, along with Mymensingh and Barisal city corporations. A nationwide rollout is set to commence on April 20.