Based on an official announcement by TBS News.
Bangladesh's health authorities have commenced a nationwide measles vaccination campaign across 30 high-risk areas, with daily immunisation activities scheduled from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The initiative targets all children aged 6-59 months, regardless of previous vaccination history, according to directives from the Health Minister.
The vaccination drive follows a significant surge in measles cases and suspected deaths across multiple divisions. Chattogram division reported acute vaccine demand of 73.5 lakh doses against available stock of only 83,000 units, reflecting the scale of the outbreak. Recent data from the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) indicated 947 hospitalisations and multiple suspected deaths within a 24-hour period, with critical cases documented in paediatric wards across the country.
In response to the escalating health crisis, the government has cancelled leave for all health department officials and workers to strengthen outbreak response and immunisation efforts. Healthcare facilities in affected areas, including Chattogram, Kushtia, and Rajshahi divisions, have established dedicated measles corners to manage patient admissions. The phased immunisation approach prioritises the most vulnerable regions, with authorities emphasising the critical importance of vaccination coverage in containing further disease transmission and protecting vulnerable populations during this public health emergency.
Source
Official announcement by TBS News
Published on: 05 April 2026
Original release: https://www.tbsnews.net/bangladesh/health
