Measles vaccine to be available nationwide from May 3

Measles vaccine will be available from May 3 across the country, Health Minister Sardar Sakhawat Hossain Bakul said.

He made the announcement at the inauguration of the campaign in the capital's Nawabganj on Sunday (April 5).

He said the first phase will cover Dhaka North and South City Corporations, Mymensingh and Barishal, before being expanded gradually to all districts and upazilas.

Ahead of the countrywide rollout, an emergency measles-rubella (MR) vaccination drive began Sunday in 30 high-risk areas.

Authorities aim to bring all eligible children under vaccination coverage within a set timeframe through the phased campaign.

The minister described the current measles situation as alarming, warning that the outbreak requires urgent attention.

Health officials said the initiative was taken in response to a sharp rise in infections among children, with efforts underway to ensure full immunisation coverage nationwide.