Nationwide measles vaccination programme to begin on May 3

A special nationwide vaccination drive against measles will begin on 3 May to tackle the rising outbreak of the disease across the country. 

The programme will initially launch next Sunday in two high-risk city corporations and two districts before being expanded in phases.

Health Minister Sardar Sakhawat Hossain Bakul made the announcement while inaugurating the measles vaccination programme in Nawabganj, Dhaka, on Sunday. 

He said the special drive would start in Dhaka North and South City Corporations as well as in Mymensingh and Barisal districts. It will later be rolled out across the remaining districts and upazilas in phases to ensure all children are protected.

The minister stressed that the current measles outbreak should not be taken lightly, describing it as a situation as concerning as the Covid-19 pandemic. 

According to the Health Department, the emergency vaccination programme has been launched due to the rapid increase in measles infections among children. 

The government aims to bring all target children under the vaccination coverage within the stipulated timeframe.