Staff Reporter:

Bangladesh will launch a nationwide measles vaccination campaign from Monday as the country continues to face a sharp rise in infections and related deaths.

According to Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), more than 25,000 measles cases have been reported since March 15 this year.

During the same period, 217 children have died from measles and related complications.

The DGHS also reported on Sunday that four more deaths occurred in the last 24 hours due to measles and its symptoms.

Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Hossain said the outbreak has spread across several parts of the country, with children being the most vulnerable group.

“Measles is a highly contagious viral disease and children are the worst affected. Ensuring their protection is a national responsibility,” he said.

He added that a pilot vaccination programme had already been underway since April 5 in 30 upazilas across 18 districts. Building on that effort, the government will now administer a free single dose of the measles vaccine to children aged 6 to 59 months nationwide from April 20.

The minister urged parents, teachers, religious leaders, health workers and local administrators to support the campaign to ensure full coverage.

“We are committed to building a healthy generation and a disease-free Bangladesh,” he said.

DGHS data show that since March 15, 3,443 cases have been confirmed, while 23,606 additional suspected cases have been recorded. In total, 15,326 patients have been hospitalised, and 12,396 have been discharged.

Health officials noted that many of the children who died had underlying health complications alongside measles. They advised parents not to panic but to seek medical care immediately if symptoms appear.

Doctors also emphasised that controlling the outbreak will require successful door-to-door vaccination efforts, along with improved awareness of nutrition and child health.