2nd phase of special measles vaccination drive to begin Sep 25: Health Minister

Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Hossain has said the second phase of the special vaccination campaign to tackle the measles outbreak will begin across the country on September 25.

He made the remarks while speaking to journalists after a seminar marking 'World Suicide Prevention Day' organised by the Association for Disabled People (ADP) and Rotary Club Ahsan Manzil at the University Women's Federation in Dhaka's Dhanmondi on Thursday, September 10.

He further said most of the vaccines for the campaign have arrived in the country through UNICEF. The remaining vaccines will arrive by September 17.

Health Minister Sakhawat Hossain said that since the measles infection continued after the vaccination campaign ended, the government conducted a mop-up operation. Under this, 14 lakh children were newly vaccinated against measles.

Sakhawat Hossain said the previous government had not left any vaccines in the country. In such a situation, the current government collected vaccines for 1.85 crore children within just 21 days and completed the vaccination programme.

Detailing the dengue situation, the Health Minister said healthcare services have been strengthened at peripheral hospitals to reduce patient pressure on Dhaka hospitals. Isolation beds have been prepared at every hospital, and mobile hospital arrangements have also been made.

He also said that in addition to ensuring necessary treatment for patients at the upazila level and reducing pressure on tertiary hospitals, coordination and necessary guidance are being provided to upazila-level doctors through the Society of Medicine.