Tiny shot, mighty shield for every child.
The ‘Emergency Measles-Rubella Vaccination Campaign-2026’ has officially begun to ensure the safety of children in the Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) area.
The programme was inaugurated at the Nagar Bhaban auditorium in the capital today.
Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Husain addressed the inaugural function as the chief guest, while State Minister for Road Transport, Highways and Railways Habibur Rashid Habib was present as the special guest.
DSCC Administrator freedom fighter Md Abdus Salam presided over the function.
UNICEF Deputy Representative Emmanuel Abrieu, World Health Organization Deputy Representative Dr Rajesh Narowal and other relevant officials were also present.
According to DSCC, a total of 402,456 children have been targeted for vaccination under this campaign. For this purpose, 540 vaccination centres have been set up across the city corporation area, of which 90 are permanent and 450 are temporary. Children aged between six months and five years will be vaccinated every day from 9 am to 4 pm.
This month-long programme will continue until May 11.
Health Minister Sakhawat Husain said infectious diseases, including measles, can be controlled through coordinated efforts. The programme has already begun in 30 upazilas across 18 districts, and from today it has been launched simultaneously in four city corporations, including Dhaka South, he added.
He said the ICU unit at the Mohakhali Infectious Diseases Hospital has been quickly launched, with cooperation from UNICEF and the World Health Organization playing a vital role.
He also urged city dwellers to remain aware of dengue prevention.
Habibur Rashid said the rising measles outbreak is a matter of concern, and the government is attaching the highest priority to the programme.
He urged the media to play an active role in raising public awareness.
After the inauguration, the DSCC administrator and the state minister inspected the vaccination programme at the Khilgaon Nagar Matri Sadan centre and took part in a cleanliness drive.
