Bangladesh is launching a nationwide measles vaccination campaign targeting 2 crore children, as health authorities respond to a rapid rise in infections across multiple regions.
The month-long campaign, scheduled to begin in early June 2026, will operate alongside the routine immunisation programme and aims to expand vaccine coverage among children aged six months to 10 years.
The decision was taken at a meeting of the National Immunisation Technical Advisory Committee, according to the Directorate General of Health Services.
Measles is a very contagious viral disease that mostly affects children, but anyone can get it. It spreads easily through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The common signs include high fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a red rash that usually starts on the face and spreads to the rest of the body. While measles can be prevented with vaccines, it can become serious if left untreated, leading to complications like pneumonia or brain infection. Getting vaccinated is the best way to stay protected and stop the spread of the disease.
Officials said the campaign is being introduced as an emergency public health measure to contain the measles outbreak, which has spread beyond initial clusters and is now affecting Dhaka, Rajshahi, Chattogram, Khulna and other regions.
Health authorities confirmed that more than 1,500 measles cases have already been reported, with the outbreak expected to persist for several weeks as transmission intensifies during the seasonal peak.
Under the current immunisation schedule, children receive measles vaccines at nine months and 15 months. However, the expanded campaign will include a wider age group due to rising infection rates among both younger and older children.
The programme will involve a nationwide registration process to inform parents of vaccination schedules, supported by field-level health workers and microplanning to ensure coverage at the local level.
The global vaccine alliance Gavi will provide financial support, vaccines and logistics, with supplies already arriving in phases. Authorities said training programmes for healthcare workers are underway to ensure efficient rollout.
The government has allocated Tk604 crore on an emergency basis to procure expanded programme on immunisation vaccines and strengthen response capacity.
Health Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Hossain said additional measures are being implemented to manage the outbreak, including reopening intensive care facilities at the Mohakhali Infectious Diseases Hospital and expanding isolation wards, ventilators and treatment capacity in affected districts.
Officials noted that the absence of a large-scale nationwide campaign since 2018 has contributed to gaps in immunisation coverage, leaving a significant number of children vulnerable to infection.
The vaccination drive forms part of a broader public health response that includes enhanced disease surveillance, hospital preparedness and international cooperation.
Authorities said maintaining vaccination coverage and strengthening healthcare infrastructure remain critical to preventing further escalation of the outbreak and reducing potential fatalities.
.jpg "Bangladesh records 4 more measles-related deaths in past 24 hours")
