Minister for Health and Family Welfare Sardar Md. Sakhawat Hossain today announced that a nationwide measles vaccination campaign will begin on April 5 (Sunday).

“Under the directives of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, we are going to launch a national emergency vaccination campaign within the shortest possible time in the country’s history. Such a rapid rollout has never been undertaken before,” he said.

The minister made these remarks while addressing a press conference at Bangladesh Secretariat following a meeting with the UNICF representatives.

He stated that all preparations for vaccine collection and distribution have been completed. 

The procurement process from the UNICEF is in its final stage and the existing shortage of vaccines is being addressed, he said adding that necessary vaccines and supplies would be delivered to every upazila of the country within next two days.

According to the minister, children aged 6 months to 10 years will be vaccinated under the campaign, alongside the continuation of routine EPI immunization activities.

He added that vaccines and syringes will be collected and distributed nationwide by Thursday and Friday. 

“To ensure smooth implementation, all leave for the healthcare workers has been cancelled. Adequate ventilators and hospital beds have been kept ready across the country,” he added.

Blaming mismanagement over the past 17 years for the current situation, he said vaccination efforts will begin first in areas with higher infection rates. 

A total of Taka 604 crore has been allocated to procure vaccines with UNICEF’s assistance.

Asked about the duration of the campaign, the minister said it will continue as long as necessary to bring every child in the country under vaccination coverage. Treatment will also continue alongside the campaign.

Highlighting the measles situation, he noted that although some child deaths occurred initially, efforts are ongoing to bring the situation under control. 

He said the government has strengthened healthcare services by increasing ventilators, ICU beds and recruiting doctors, nurses and other healthcare staff. 

Besides, new ICU facilities have also been launched in several areas including Manikganj.

Responding to a query on the age limit, he said the range was determined based on the recommendations from the national expert committee.

At the press conference, former World Bank Senior Health and Nutrition Specialist Dr. S M Ziauddin Hyder warned against panic, saying not all fevers indicate measles. 

He urged the media to act responsibly and help raise awareness saying that coordinated efforts by the government, media, civil society, NGOs and development partners are crucial to tackle the situation.