Chattogram City Corporation (CCC) has announced that more than three lakh children aged between six and 59 months across its 41 wards will be brought under a measles and rubella vaccination programme. The month-long campaign is scheduled to run from 20 April to 20 May, according to Mayor Dr Shahadat Hossain.

The information was disclosed at a press conference held on Thursday (16 April) at the Public Library Conference Hall of Chattogram City Corporation. It was stated that a total of 300,300 children have been targeted for vaccination across seven administrative zones covering all 41 wards of the city.

To implement the programme effectively, a structured deployment plan has been prepared. This includes 48 fixed teams, 205 temporary teams, 41 mop-up teams, and 14 evening vaccination sessions. The initiative will operate daily from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm throughout the campaign period.

Authorities have encouraged parents and guardians to complete online registration using their children’s birth registration numbers. However, it has been clearly stated that no eligible child will be excluded from vaccination even if they are not registered. Special attention will be given to children living in slum areas and other high-risk communities, with dedicated efforts to identify and vaccinate them.

The campaign is being implemented jointly by the Chattogram City Corporation and the health department, with support from the Directorate General of Health Services, the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI), the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, UNICEF, Gavi, and the World Health Organization.

Mayor Dr Shahadat Hossain described measles as a highly contagious viral disease. He stated that it can weaken the immune system of children and may lead to serious complications such as pneumonia, diarrhoea, malnutrition, and encephalitis. He emphasised that ensuring full vaccination coverage is essential for child health protection.

Senior health officials and representatives of partner organisations also attended the briefing. These included Chattogram Divisional Health Director Sheikh Fazle Rabbi, Civil Surgeon Dr Jahangir Alam, Chief Health Officer of CCC Dr Md Imam Hossain Rana, UNICEF Health Officer Dr Delwar Hossain, and WHO Divisional Coordinator Dr Imong Pro Chowdhury.

Vaccination Campaign Overview

The campaign is designed to ensure broad immunisation coverage across urban Chattogram, with special operational arrangements for hard-to-reach and vulnerable populations.