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.

Parents have been urged to bring children under five years of age to designated vaccination centres. If a child has a fever or other illness, vaccination should be given after recovery. Children infected with or suspected of having measles will also be given Vitamin A capsules, which help reduce complications.

The 30 upazilas where vaccination will begin on Sunday are:
Godagari in Rajshahi; Nawabganj in Dhaka; Louhajong, Sadar and Srinagar in Munshiganj; Nalchhiti in Jhalakathi; Trishal, Sadar and Fulpur in Mymensingh; Haimchar and Sadar in Chandpur; Mehendiganj and Bakerganj in Barishal; Ishwardi, Sadar, Atgharia and Bera in Pabna; Porsha in Naogaon; Gazipur Sadar; Atpara in Netrokona; Jajira in Shariatpur; Barguna Sadar; Madaripur Sadar; Maheshkhali and Ramu in Cox's Bazar; Chapainawabganj Sadar, Shibganj and Bholahat; Natore Sadar; and Sadar in Jashore.

Vaccination drives will also be implemented in low-risk areas in phases.