Nationwide Measles-Rubella vaccination drive to kick off Sunday

The government is set to begin an emergency measles-rubella vaccination campaign from Sunday (April 5), according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

The programme will kick off simultaneously at 9:00am nationwide, the ministry confirmed at a press briefing on Saturday (April 4).

Officials said the recent surge in measles cases nationwide—particularly among children—has prompted urgent action to contain the outbreak.

The initiative follows recommendations from the National Immunisation Technical Advisory Group, in consultation with national and international experts, as part of a coordinated effort to curb transmission and protect vulnerable children.

Under the campaign, all children under five years of age will receive the vaccine, regardless of their previous vaccination status. The rollout will be carried out in phases, beginning with 30 high-risk areas before expanding nationwide.

Authorities aim to complete the drive by May 21.

The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) has urged parents to bring eligible children to designated vaccination centres.

However, children with fever or illness are advised to receive the vaccine after recovery.

Health officials also recommended administering vitamin A capsules to children infected with or suspected of having measles as part of supportive care.