
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.