Bangladesh to Vaccinate All Children Against Measles

Bangladesh will provide measles vaccination to all children aged between six and 59 months as part of an expanded emergency immunisation drive, Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md. Sakhawat Hossain announced on Saturday.

Speaking at a press briefing at the ministry, the minister said the campaign would cover all children in the age group, including those who may have already received a measles vaccine earlier.

He said children currently suffering from measles or fever would not be vaccinated immediately. Instead, those who are ill or hospitalised will be given vitamin A as part of supportive care.

The minister said the emergency vaccination campaign will begin on Sunday in 30 upazilas identified as having a higher prevalence of measles. However, he made it clear that the programme will not end there.

“Our target is to ensure vaccination for every child aged six to 59 months across the country,” he said.

He explained that many of the children now being brought under the special drive were born after the nationwide measles immunisation campaign conducted in December 2020, meaning a significant number may have missed that round of protection.

He also said health experts and relevant agencies had confirmed that children who may already have received the vaccine through routine immunisation would face no harm if they receive another dose during the current campaign.

The 30 upazilas where the campaign will begin include Godagari in Rajshahi; Nawabganj in Dhaka; Louhajang, Sadar and Srinagar in Munshiganj; Nalchity in Jhalakathi; Trishal, Sadar and Fulbaria in Mymensingh; Haimchar and Sadar in Chandpur; Mehendiganj and Bakerganj in Barishal; Ishwardi, Sadar, Atgharia and Bera in Pabna; Porsha in Naogaon; Gazipur Sadar; Atpara in Netrakona; Jazira in Shariatpur; Barguna Sadar; Madaripur Sadar; Maheshkhali and Ramu in Cox’s Bazar; Chapainawabganj Sadar, Shibganj and Bholahat; Natore Sadar; and Jashore Sadar.

Health officials hope the campaign will help contain the recent rise in measles cases and prevent further spread among young children, particularly in high-risk areas.