MR vaccination drive begins in Rajshahi, 54,000+ children targeted

A citywide measles-rubella (MR) vaccination campaign has officially begun in Rajshahi, aiming to immunize more than 54,000 children against the contagious diseases.

The campaign was inaugurated on Monday (April 20) at an urban primary health centre in Ward No. 13 by Rajshahi City Corporation Administrator Md. Mahfuzur Rahman Riton.

The initiative will continue until May 10.

According to officials, a total of 54,144 children across the city have been targeted for vaccination. Of them, 45,623 children will be covered at the community level, while 8,521 students will receive vaccines through school-based centres. Children aged between six months and under five years are eligible for the campaign.

To facilitate the programme, authorities have set up 438 vaccination centres, including 240 community centres, 180 school-based centres, and 18 permanent facilities. Each temporary centre is staffed by two vaccinators and three volunteers, while permanent centres have one vaccinator and one volunteer.

Speaking at the inauguration, Riton said the government has undertaken nationwide efforts to prevent measles and rubella, with this campaign being a key part of that initiative. He expressed hope for successful implementation with public cooperation.

As part of awareness efforts, nearly 70,000 informational leaflets have already been distributed door-to-door across the city.

Senior officials from the city corporation, health department, and law enforcement agencies were present at the launch event.