Measles Cases Declining in Pabna as Vaccination Drive Intensifies

Measles cases in Pabna are on the decline following an intensified vaccination campaign, confirmed District Civil Surgeon Dr. Abul Kalam Azad. Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday afternoon, Dr. Azad emphasized that health officials are working to ensure no child is left behind in the ongoing Measles-Rubella (MR) immunization program.

The campaign, which entered its second phase yesterday, aims to vaccinate 318,884 children aged between six months and five years across the district. So far, 187,817 children have received the vaccine.

The first phase, which began on April 5, focused on three municipalities and four high-risk upazilas. The program has now expanded to cover the entire district.

Dr. Azad explained that while vaccination efforts occurred between 2024 and 2026, they fell short of the desired targets. Bangladesh typically conducts mass MR campaigns every five years; however, the current drive was launched early to combat a recent spike in outbreaks.

Detailed technical data on the outbreak and the scope of the immunization program were presented by Deputy Civil Surgeon Dr. Mohammad Khairul Kabir and WHO Medical Officer Dr. Rashedul Bari. Local media representatives, including Pabna Press Club President Akhtaruzzaman Akhtar and Editor Zahurul Islam, were also in attendance.