The government of Bangladesh is set to launch an emergency nationwide measles vaccination campaign on Sunday, following a sharp increase in reported cases across the country.
The announcement was made on Wednesday by Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Husain during a press briefing at the Secretariat.
The minister stated that the campaign will focus on children aged between six months and 10 years, aiming to quickly contain the spread of the disease.
To support the initiative, the government has arranged to temporarily procure 21.9 million doses of measles vaccine from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. These doses are being borrowed as part of an emergency response and will be returned later. Authorities have already initiated the process of collecting and distributing vaccines and syringes nationwide, with distribution scheduled to be completed between Thursday and Friday.
The health minister also assured that the healthcare system is adequately prepared to handle any complications arising from the outbreak. Hospitals across the country have been equipped with sufficient ventilator support, and necessary arrangements have been made to ensure the availability of hospital beds for patients requiring treatment.
In order to ensure the effective implementation of the campaign, all leave for healthcare workers has been suspended. Medical staff have been instructed to remain on duty and actively participate in the vaccination drive.
The initiative reflects the government’s urgent effort to curb the outbreak and protect children from the potentially serious impacts of measles through rapid immunisation coverage.
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