Bangladesh will begin a special nationwide measles-rubella vaccination campaign on Sunday, targeting children aged 6 to 59 months in high-risk areas.
The first phase will roll out simultaneously across 30 upazilas in 18 districts, prioritising young children most vulnerable to the disease.
Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Husain confirmed the information at a press briefing at the Bangladesh Secretariat on Saturday.
“The vaccination drive will start at 9am across the selected upazilas,” he said, noting that the programme follows recommendations from national and international experts who identified the areas for immediate intervention.
The 30 upazilas selected for the first phase include Godagari in Rajshahi, Nawabganj in Dhaka, Louhajang, Sadar and Srinagar in Munshiganj, Nalchity in Jhalokathi, Trishal, Sadar and Fulbaria in Mymensingh, Haimchar and Sadar in Chandpur, Mehendiganj and Bakerganj in Barishal, Ishwardi, Sadar, Atgharia and Bera in Pabna, Porsha in Naogaon, Gazipur Sadar, Atpara in Netrokona, Jazira in Shariatpur, Barguna Sadar, Madaripur Sadar, Maheshkhali and Ramu in Cox’s Bazar, Sadar, Shibganj and Bholahat in Chapainawabganj, Natore Sadar, and Sadar Upazila in Jashore.
Key guidelines include vaccinating all children aged 6–59 months regardless of prior immunisation, postponing vaccination for children with fever or illness until recovery, and providing vitamin A capsules to children with infections or fever. Healthy children will receive only the vaccine.
The Health Ministry highlighted that 82 per cent of measles-rubella cases occur among children under five, making this age group a priority. Vaccinations will be administered daily from 9am to 5pm at designated centres, including schools, community centres, and existing vaccination sites.
Officials said the campaign will gradually expand nationwide and is expected to integrate into the routine immunisation programme by July.
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