Children above 6 months to get measles vaccine in drive starting 20 April: State minister
Referring to the measles situation, he said around 14,000 cases have been reported across the country, but the situation remains under control under the close supervision of the prime minister.
State Minister for Health Dr MA Muhit said children aged between 6 months and 59 months (below 5 years) will be brought under a nationwide measles-rubella vaccination campaign beginning on 20 April.
The minister made the announcement while inaugurating the Emergency Measles-Rubella Vaccination Campaign 2026 at Ershad Field in the Korail slum under Ward 19 of the Dhaka North City Corporation.
According to the minister, the government has already launched an emergency vaccination drive in areas with higher infection rates.
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Since 5 April, vaccines have been administered in 30 upazilas across 18 districts. "We held an emergency meeting with Unicef and the World Health Organisation on 1 April, and within four days began vaccination in high-risk areas," he said.
Highlighting the importance of vaccination, Muhit referred to the concept of herd immunity, saying that at least 95% of children in a given area must be vaccinated to prevent the spread of the disease.
"Measles is extremely contagious. One infected person can quickly spread the virus to another 18 people. Therefore, we must ensure that no child remains outside the vaccination coverage," he said.
"When a day labourer visits a doctor, they lose a day's earnings. We understand this reality and are working with city authorities to make healthcare services more accessible for working people," he added.
DNCC Administrator Md Shafiqul Islam Khan said steps will be taken to make the urban health centres in every ward operational so that healthcare services can reach residents more easily.
He also said the city corporation plans to establish a modern general hospital on its land in Mohakhali, adding that the health minister has assured support for the initiative.
Referring to the measles situation, he said around 14,000 cases have been reported across the country, but the situation remains under control under the close supervision of the prime minister.
Among others present at the event were BNP National Executive Committee member Abdus Sattar Patwari, Director General of the Directorate General of Health Services Prof Dr Prabhat Chandra Biswas, DNCC Chief Executive Officer Muhammad Asaduzzaman, Local Government Division Secretary Md Shahidul Hasan, and representatives from Unicef and the World Health Organisation.
