A nationwide emergency vaccination campaign against measles and rubella commenced on Monday across Bangladesh, aimed at addressing the ongoing outbreak of measles. The government has set a target to vaccinate approximately 18 million children aged between 6 and 59 months under this programme.
The campaign was formally inaugurated this morning by the Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Sardar Md. Sakhawat Hossain, at the ‘Little Angel Seminary’ in Jinda Park under Rupganj Upazila in Narayanganj. Following the launch ceremony, vaccination activities began simultaneously at all permanent and temporary immunisation centres across the country.
According to the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI), the campaign covers 18 districts, 30 upazilas, and four city corporations, along with all other areas of the country. EPI Assistant Director Hasanul Mahmud stated that vaccination efforts have already begun for around 18 million targeted children nationwide.
The programme is being implemented in phases. The first phase commenced on 5 April in selected districts and upazilas and will continue until 25 April. A second phase, which began on 12 April, is being implemented in major city corporations and other designated areas. The nationwide roll-out, which began today, will continue according to a staggered schedule across different regions.
Vaccination services are being provided daily from 8:00 am at all designated centres, except on weekly holidays. The campaign is being conducted through both fixed and temporary vaccination sites to ensure wide coverage.
Vaccination schedule overview
| Phase | Start date | Coverage area | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| First phase | 5 April | 18 districts and 30 upazilas | Until 25 April |
| Second phase | 12 April | Four city corporations including Dhaka North, Dhaka South, Barishal, and Mymensingh | Ongoing as scheduled |
| Nationwide rollout | 20 April | All regions of the country | City corporations until 20 May; other areas until 12 May |
The Directorate General of Health Services has issued guidance regarding eligibility and precautions for vaccination. Children who are currently suffering from fever or any illness are advised to receive the vaccine only after full recovery. In addition, children who have received the first dose must wait for at least four weeks before receiving the subsequent dose, in accordance with the prescribed immunisation schedule.
The programme is designed to ensure systematic coverage across all targeted age groups, with coordination between health workers and vaccination centres at local and regional levels. Authorities have stated that both fixed centres and temporary outreach sites are being used to facilitate access and ensure that eligible children are reached within the designated timeframe.
This campaign forms part of the ongoing national immunisation efforts under the Expanded Programme on Immunisation, which operates through structured phases and defined regional coverage to deliver vaccines to eligible populations across the country.