Bangladesh Diary Desk

An emergency measles-rubella (MR) vaccination campaign has begun today (Sunday) in 30 high-risk areas across Bangladesh amid a growing outbreak of Measles. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare announced that the program will run daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Health Minister Sardar Md. Sakhawat Hossain Bakul said in a briefing that the initiative was taken following recommendations from national and international experts as infections continue to rise in different parts of the country. The campaign is scheduled to continue until May 21.

In the first phase, all children aged between six months and under five years will be vaccinated. Children who have previously received the vaccine will also be included. In addition, affected or suspected children will be given Vitamin A capsules.

According to the health authorities, the target is to vaccinate approximately 1.32 million children during this phase. The scope of the program may be expanded if necessary. Temporary vaccination centers will be set up in schools, madrasas, densely populated areas, and vulnerable settlements.

Data from the Directorate General of Health Services shows that in the last 24 hours, 787 children have been admitted to hospitals with measles-like symptoms, and six deaths have been reported. Among them, measles has been confirmed in two cases.

Since March 15, a total of 6,476 children have received hospital treatment for measles symptoms, with 98 deaths reported during this period. Out of 826 confirmed cases, 16 children have died.

The situation outside the capital remains concerning. At Rajshahi Medical College Hospital, three children died in a single day, while two deaths were reported in Kushtia. In Gopalganj, 27 new children have been hospitalized with infections.

Health experts say that swift implementation of the vaccination campaign could help bring the outbreak under control.