Integrated efforts can control measles, other infectious diseases: Health Minister
The health minister said the government aims to bring 95% of children aged between six months and five years under measles vaccination coverage, expressing hope that achieving this target would significantly curb the spread of the disease.
Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Hossain today (12 April) said all infectious diseases, including measles and rubella, can be effectively controlled through coordinated efforts.
"Although the measles-rubella vaccination campaign began on 5 April in 30 upazilas across 18 districts, it has now been launched simultaneously in four major city corporations—Dhaka North, Dhaka South, Barishal and Mymensingh—from today," he told while inaugurating the "Emergency Measles-Rubella Vaccination Campaign-2026" at an event held at the Nagar Bhaban auditorium in the capital.
The health minister said the government aims to bring 95% of children aged between six months and five years under measles vaccination coverage, expressing hope that achieving this target would significantly curb the spread of the disease.
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"Success in this campaign requires collective cooperation. With united efforts, we will be able to protect future generations from measles," he added.
Highlighting the ongoing programme, the minister said vaccination activities have already started in 30 high-risk upazilas since 5 April and are now being expanded to key urban areas.
"I believe that if the campaign is properly implemented in the two Dhaka city corporations over the next six months, we can achieve lasting success in controlling measles," he said.
Calling for cooperation from all levels of city corporation officials, he urged them to utilize their experience and organizational capacity to ensure the campaign's success.
The health minister also stressed the need for stronger public engagement at the grassroots level to ensure full participation of eligible children aged between six and 59 months.
"If necessary, awareness campaigns should be carried out in every lane and neighborhood to make the programme popular and ensure spontaneous participation," he said, adding that special attention must be given to Dhaka North and Dhaka South city corporations.
He said that the government had already undertaken dengue prevention initiatives to safeguard future generations from epidemics and reiterated its commitment to building a healthy and safe population.
The minister also mentioned the rapid establishment of an ICU unit at the Infectious Diseases Hospital in Mohakhali and expressed gratitude to UNICEF and the World Health Organization for their support.
He urged city dwellers to remain vigilant and take preventive measures against dengue.
Speaking as special guest, State Minister for Road Transport and Highways and Railways Habibur Rashid Habib said the rise in measles cases is concerning and called on the media to play a proactive role in raising awareness, particularly among working-class parents.
DSCC Administrator Freedom Fighter Md. Abdus Salam said the current measles situation is partly due to past negligence but reaffirmed their commitment to bringing every child under vaccination coverage through intensified field-level awareness.
UNICEF Deputy Representative Emmanuelle Abrioux and other relevant officials were present at the event.
Under the campaign in DSCC areas, a total of 402,456 children are targeted for vaccination. To achieve this, 540 vaccination centres—90 permanent and 450 temporary—have been set up.
The month-long campaign will continue till 11 May, with vaccinations administered daily from 9am to 4pm for all children aged between six months and under five years.
