A nationwide emergency measles-rubella vaccination campaign was launched on Monday aimed at addressing the ongoing outbreak.

Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Hossain inaugurated the vaccination campaign around 8:15 am at Little Angel Seminary in Jinda Park, Rupganj Upazila of Narayanganj.

The initiative aims to vaccinate around 1.8 crore children aged 6 months to under 5 years across the country.

According to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), Bangladesh recorded 36 measles-related deaths until 8:00am on Sunday (April 19).

During the same period, 181 suspected measles deaths were reported, while the total number of suspected cases rose to 23,606.

On April 5, the government, with support from UNICEF, WHO and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, launched an emergency measles-rubella vaccination campaign to protect more than 1.2 million children aged 6 months to 5 years in 30 upazilas in 18 high-risk districts.

The World Health Organization (WHO) urged all parents and caregivers to bring their children to the nearest vaccination centre and remains committed to supporting the government and partners to safeguard the health of every child across Bangladesh.

In Lakshmipur, the vaccination campaign began at 2,185 centers in the morning .

Civil Surgeon Dr Abu Hasan Shaheen inaugurated the programme at the District Sadar Hospital.

The campaign will continue until May 10.

According to the District Civil Surgeon’s Office, a total of 2,94,205 children are expected to be vaccinated in the district. To achieve this target, 2,185 centres have been set up, including six permanent and 2,179 temporary ones.

During the campaign, children aged between six months and five years will be vaccinated daily from 9am to 4pm.

The Civil Surgeon has urged guardians to take their children to the nearest vaccination centres to ensure vaccination.