Mass immunisation aims to halt measles surge
The local administration has launched the Measles-Rubella (MR) Vaccination Campaign 2026 in Bera upazila of Pabna district as the part of an emegency public health response to combate a rising outbreak of measles in the district.
The campaign was formally inaugurated on Sunday morning by Bera Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Runalt Chakma. The nationwide emergency drive began at 9:00am across 30 upazilas and municipalities in 18 high-risk districts, with Bera identified as a priority zone due to increasing infection rates.
Locally, the programme commenced at 9:30am under the supervision of the Bera Upazila Health Complex at Bishwanathpur village in Jatshakini unoin. The inaugural session was chaired by Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer Dr Tahmina Yasmin Nila.
Among those present were Jatshakini union parishad Chairman Abul Kalam Azad (Manik), Bera Upazila BNP Joint General Secretary Alhaj Moniruzzaman Monir, and Md Maruf Hossain Chowdhury, an executive member of the upazila jaamat and director of Kashinathpur Crescent Hospital.
Addressing officials, local prominent people and parents, UNO Chakma stressed the urgency of timely immunisation and cautioned against misinformation surrounding vaccines.
“Measles is entirely preventable, and vaccination remains the most effective safeguard,” he said. “Parents must ensure their children receive the vaccine to help bring the outbreak under control.”
Health authorities expect the campaign to significantly reduce infection risks and strengthen community immunity across vulnerable areas.
