The nationwide measles-rubella vaccination campaign begins today, Monday, targeting all children aged six months to five years.
Professor MD Zahid Raihan, Additional Director General (Administration) at DGHS, said around 18 million children will be vaccinated during the campaign, which will run from April 20 to May 20.
According to the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI), vaccination will be conducted not only at regular centers but also in nurseries, kindergartens, Ibtedayi Madrasas, Maktabs, orphanages and child care facilities. Children outside the formal education system will be reached through community-based vaccination centres.
During the campaign, permanent vaccination centers will operate in every Upazila Health Complex, Paurashwa and Municipal Corporation Hospital as well as in every ward of the Municipal Corporations. These centers will remain open between 8:00 am and 4:00 pm every day, except on government holidays, while routine vaccination services will continue along with the drive.
Special arrangements will also be made to reach high-risk and inaccessible child populations, including children accompanying mothers in markets, factories and rice mills; Children from nomadic communities; Street children; hospital children; children living in prisons with their mothers; And those who live in brothels and slums.