Prime Minister’s Information and Broadcasting Adviser Dr Zahed Ur Rahman on Tuesday said the ongoing nationwide measles-rubella immunisation campaign has so far vaccinated around 1.61 crore children, reaching 89 per cent of its target population.
Speaking at a weekly press briefing at the Press Information Department, he expressed optimism that the campaign would achieve full coverage within the next few days. The vaccination drive targets children aged between six months and under five years.
Emphasising the seriousness of the disease, Dr Zahed noted that measles-related deaths, particularly those complicated by pneumonia requiring intensive care, remain a major concern.
He said the government is prioritising efforts to expand immunisation coverage to prevent such fatalities.
To support the campaign, international partners have extended assistance. UNICEF and Gavi have provided an additional 2.2 million mixing syringes, while the United States has supplied 6 lakh GeneXpert cartridges for tuberculosis detection along with preventive medicines for 11,000 children.
The adviser also said health authorities have begun preparations to tackle dengue ahead of the upcoming monsoon season.
Highlighting education initiatives, he announced that a pilot programme will be launched in July to distribute free uniforms, school bags and shoes to first-grade students in two schools in each upazila.
On energy supply, Dr Zahed assured that the country currently holds sufficient fuel reserves. As of 2 May, diesel stock stood at over 2,34,000 metric tonnes, alongside adequate supplies of octane, petrol and jet fuel. He urged citizens not to panic, adding that the fuel pass system will remain in place.
Regarding electricity, he said the country experienced no load-shedding between 28 April and 4 May. However, he cautioned that temporary disruptions could occur due to technical faults, and that extreme heat or LNG supply issues linked to the Middle East situation could put pressure on the power system in the coming days.
