Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md. Shakhawat Hossain announced that a nationwide special measles vaccination campaign will begin on May 3. He stated that the severity of measles is no less than that of COVID-19. The announcement was made at the inauguration of the measles vaccination program in Nawabganj on Sunday morning. According to the minister, all children of eligible age will receive the measles vaccine, and vitamin A capsules will also be administered.

The minister added that the special vaccination campaign will start from next Sunday in Dhaka North and South City Corporations, as well as in Mymensingh and Barishal districts. State Minister for Health and Family Welfare Dr. M A Muhith said the government has taken swift action to address shortages and ensure smooth implementation of the program. He urged public cooperation to bring all children under vaccination coverage.

Health department sources said the campaign was launched urgently due to a rapid increase in measles infections among children. The government aims to vaccinate all targeted children within the scheduled period.