Nationwide MR vaccination campaign begins Monday

A nationwide measles-rubella (MR) vaccination campaign will begin across Bangladesh, as the country faces a rising number of measles infections and deaths on Monday (April 20).

According to the report, the government has taken the initiative as cases and fatalities continue to increase daily.

Earlier, emergency vaccination drives were launched in 30 upazilas across 18 high-risk districts on April 5. In Dhaka, the campaign began on April 12.

Health Minister Sardar Md. Shakhawat Hossain announced (April 17), that the nationwide expansion of the campaign would start on April 20. He also assured that there is no shortage of vaccines and urged people not to be misled by rumors.

The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) reported that from March 15 to April 19, 38 confirmed deaths from measles have been recorded, along with 181 suspected deaths among children.

During the same period, 3,443 confirmed cases and 23,606 suspected cases of measles were reported nationwide.

Health authorities have also issued guidelines on vaccination eligibility. Children who are currently sick or have fever are advised to wait until full recovery before receiving the vaccine. Additionally, children who have already received the first dose must wait at least four weeks before getting the next dose.

Officials say the campaign is part of urgent efforts to contain the outbreak and prevent further spread of the disease.