Special Measles Vaccination Drive Begins in 18 Districts

A special measles vaccination campaign has started in 30 selected upazilas across 18 districts of Bangladesh. Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md. Sakhawat Hossain inaugurated the program at 9:00 am on Sunday (April 5) in Nawabganj, Dhaka.

Under this campaign, children aged 6 months to 5 years will receive the measles vaccine.

State Minister for Health Dr. MA Muhith said children currently suffering from measles or fever will not be vaccinated at this stage. They will be included later when they recover.

He added that the program will be expanded in phases to other districts where measles infections are rising.

The government has completed necessary preparations to manage the situation, he said, expressing hope that the outbreak will be brought under control quickly through this initiative.

The State Minister urged parents and guardians to ensure their children are vaccinated and to support the success of the campaign.

The vaccination program is being carried out in selected upazilas and municipalities across the following districts Barguna (Sadar, Municipality) Pabna (Sadar, Municipality, Ishwardi, Atgharia, Bera) Chandpur (Sadar, Municipality, Haimchar) Cox’s Bazar (Maheshkhali, Ramu) Gazipur (Sadar) Chapainawabganj (Sadar, Municipality, Shibganj, Bholahat) Netrokona (Atpara) Mymensingh (Sadar, Trishal, Tarakanda, Srinagar) Rajshahi (Godagari) Barisal (Mehendiganj, Bakerganj) Naogaon (Porsha) Jessore (Sadar, Municipality) Natore (Sadar) Munshiganj (Sadar, Municipality, Louhajang) Madaripur (Sadar, Municipality) Dhaka (Nawabganj) Jhalokati (Nalchiti) Shariatpur (Jazira)

Health authorities have identified 30 hotspot upazilas and municipalities, with Barguna Sadar and Municipality among the most affected areas.

Comparatively lower-risk areas include Madaripur, Nawabganj (Dhaka), Munshiganj, Jhalokati, and Shariatpur.