Online Desk

An emergency measles-rubella (MR) vaccination campaign has officially begun in the Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) area of Dhaka, aiming to protect children from Measles and rubella. The campaign, titled “Emergency MR Vaccination Campaign 2026,” will run from April 12 to May 11, with a target of vaccinating around 500,000 children.

The program was formally inaugurated this morning in Korail. The event was attended by State Minister for Health Dr. M A Muhith as the chief guest, while DNCC Administrator Md. Shafiqul Islam Khan was present as a special guest.

Speaking at the program, the state minister emphasized that all children aged between six months and five years must be brought under this vaccination program. He noted that the campaign initially started in 17 Districts and later expanded to four city corporations, with a nationwide rollout scheduled from April 20.

The DNCC administrator also revealed plans to transform the DNCC COVID Hospital in Mohakhali into a full-fledged general hospital to improve healthcare services for city residents.

According to DNCC sources, the campaign will cover all children aged 6 months to 5 years. To facilitate this, 54 permanent and 502 temporary vaccination centers have been set up, along with 35 evening centers and 8 Friday centers.

A total of 594 vaccinators, 650 volunteers, and 203 supervisors are engaged in implementing the campaign.

The event was chaired by DNCC Chief Health Officer Brigadier General Imrul Kayes Chowdhury. Also present were representatives from UNICEF, including Rana Flowers, as well as World Health Organization representative Dr. Rajesh Narwal and other employee.

Parents have been strongly urged to bring their children aged 6 months to 5 years to designated centers to ensure they receive the vaccine on time.