A meeting of Rajshahi Divisional Coordination Committee was held on Sunday at the conference room of the Divisional Director of Health in Rajshahi to review the progress, challenges, and shortcomings of the ongoing Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccination campaign across the division.
The meeting, organized by the Divisional Health Office, was chaired by Divisional Commissioner Dr ANM Bazlur Rashid.
A representative of the World Health Organization (WHO) informed the meeting that measles has spread to 61 districts of the country, excluding Panchagarh, Lalmonirhat, and Rangamati. He noted that infections have been identified among individuals ranging from 1.5-month-old infants to 70-year-olds. He further cautioned that while measles-related mortality is typically 1–3% in developed countries, it can rise to as high as 10% in developing countries like Bangladesh.
He added that although the nationwide MR vaccination campaign began on April 20, immunization activities in measles hotspot districts of Rajshahi, Pabna, Chapainawabganj, and Naogaon started earlier on April 5. He also said public participation in the campaign has been strong, with parents showing significant interest in vaccinating their children.
As of April 25, vaccination coverage in the division has reportedly exceeded the set target. However, officials noted that around 5–6% of children under five years of age are still yet to be vaccinated. They identified gaps in reaching children from marginalized communities and those whose parents remain absent during the day due to work commitments.
Some children above five years of age have also been vaccinated during the campaign.
In his presidential remarks, Divisional Commissioner Dr Bazlur Rashid said that the issues identified in the meeting have already been communicated to Deputy Commissioners for necessary action. He emphasized coordinated efforts among all departments to ensure the success of the campaign.
“We each perform our own responsibilities, but collectively we also support one another. Through strong coordination, we will make this vaccination campaign successful,” he said, urging health authorities to deploy mobile teams to reach unvaccinated children.
Members of the Divisional Coordination Committee for the Measles-Rubella Vaccination Campaign 2026 were present at the meeting.