Nationwide Measles-Rubella Vaccination Drive Commences Sunday

The Government of Bangladesh has announced a comprehensive emergency measles-rubella vaccination campaign, set to launch on Sunday, 5 April 2026. This strategic health initiative aims to curb the rising incidence of these infectious diseases by targeting high-risk regions across the country. Initially, the drive will focus on 30 sub-districts (Upazilas) within 18 districts, prioritising infants and young children between the ages of 6 months and 59 months.

At a press briefing held on Saturday, 4 April, at the Secretariat, the Honourable Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Sardar Md. Sakhawat Hossain, detailed the government’s robust response to the public health challenge. He stated that the vaccination centres would remain operational daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm to ensure maximum coverage.

Strategic Implementation and Expert Consultation

The Minister emphasised that the selection of these 30 sub-districts was not arbitrary. The government, in collaboration with both national and international public health experts, conducted an extensive risk assessment. “We have identified these specific areas as high-risk zones based on recent epidemiological data,” the Minister explained. “Our primary objective is to safeguard the most vulnerable demographic—children under five.”

Data reveals a concerning trend: approximately 82% of those currently infected with measles or rubella fall within the 6-month to 5-year age bracket. Consequently, the Ministry has mandated that every child within this age group must receive the vaccine during this campaign, regardless of their previous vaccination history.

Targeted Districts and Sub-districts

The first phase of the campaign spans several divisions, including Dhaka, Rajshahi, Barishal, and Chattogram. The following table provides a breakdown of the specific locations:

Logistics and Healthcare Protocol

To ensure a seamless rollout, senior officials from the Ministry of Health will personally oversee the inauguration at five key sites. In other locations, the campaign will be spearheaded by local administrations and Civil Surgeons. Beyond traditional clinics, vaccinations will be administered at schools, community centres, and designated temporary hubs to increase accessibility.

In an effort to provide holistic care, the Minister noted that children who are currently symptomatic or suffering from a fever will be administered Vitamin A capsules alongside the vaccination. However, healthy children will strictly receive the vaccine alone. Medical professionals have advised parents of children with severe underlying illnesses or active high fevers to wait until the child has fully recovered before seeking the vaccination.

Looking Forward

Addressing concerns regarding the decline in vaccination rates observed in 2025, Minister Hossain remained focused on the future. “Rather than dwelling on past shortcomings or becoming mired in lengthy investigations, our government’s absolute priority is the immediate protection of our children,” he remarked.

The campaign is part of a broader, phased strategy. Following this high-intensity drive in the 30 identified sub-districts, the Ministry plans to expand the programme nationwide. By July 2026, the government intends to integrate these measures into the permanent national immunisation schedule, ensuring long-term immunity for the next generation.

The briefing was also attended by State Minister for Health Dr M. A. Muhit, public health specialist Dr S. M. Ziauddin, Health Secretary Kamruzzaman Chowdhury, and the Director General of the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), Professor Dr Probhat Chandra Biswas.