A specialized nationwide measles-rubella vaccination campaign is set to launch tomorrow (Sunday), targeting children aged 6 to 59 months in high-risk regions across Bangladesh.

The initiative was officially announced on Saturday during a press briefing at the Bangladesh Secretariat by the Health and Family Welfare Adviser, Sardar Md. Sakhawat Hossain.

The first phase of the program will simultaneously cover 30 upazilas across 18 districts, with vaccination centers operating daily from 9 am to 5 pm.

Adviser Sardar Md. Sakhawat Hossain stated that the vaccination drive will begin at 9 am across the selected upazilas, explaining that the initiative was undertaken based on recommendations from national and international experts who identified these areas for immediate intervention.

The targeted upazilas for this initial phase include Godagari in Rajshahi; Nawabganj in Dhaka; Louhajang, Sadar, and Srinagar in Munshiganj; Nalchity in Jhalokathi; 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 Netrokona; Jazira in Shariatpur; Barguna Sadar; Madaripur Sadar; Maheshkhali and Ramu in Cox's Bazar; Sadar, Shibganj, and Bholahat in Chapainawabganj; Natore Sadar; and the Sadar upazila of Jashore district.

The government has established strict guidelines for the campaign, mandating that all children within the 6-59 month age bracket be vaccinated regardless of their prior immunization status.

The Health Ministry clarified that while healthy children will receive only the vaccine, those currently infected or suffering from a fever will be provided with Vitamin A capsules, with their vaccinations scheduled only after they have fully recovered.

According to the Adviser, statistics show that approximately 82% of measles-rubella cases occur among children under five years of age, which prompted the government to prioritize this specific demographic.

Vaccinations will be administered at various designated locations, including existing community vaccination sites, schools, and local community centers.

The Health Ministry further noted that the campaign is expected to expand nationwide gradually and will likely be integrated into the routine immunization program by July.

Addressing concerns regarding a decline in vaccination rates during 2025, the Adviser remarked that the government is focusing on protecting children now rather than investigating past trends.

The briefing was attended by senior health officials and prominent public health experts who underscored the importance of community participation to ensure the campaign's success.