C T Online Desk: About 82 percent of measles-rubella patients in Bangladesh are children aged between six months and under five years, Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Husain said on Saturday.
He said the government would launch an emergency vaccination campaign from Sunday to tackle the situation.
The minister made the remarks at a press conference at the conference room of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare at the Secretariat.
He said measles cases had increased in some parts of the country, affecting small children in particular. For that reason, all children aged between six and 59 months will be brought under the vaccination programme, regardless of whether they have previously received the vaccine.
He said the campaign would be carried out in phases, beginning in 30 high-risk areas before being expanded nationwide. The government aims to complete the programme by May 21, ahead of Eid-ul-Azha.
The minister said the vaccine was completely safe and effective, and urged parents to take their children to designated centres for vaccination.
He also called on the media and local leaders to help spread accurate information and counter rumours.
He said children who are ill or running a fever should receive the vaccine after recovery. Children infected with, or suspected of having, measles will also be given vitamin A capsules to help reduce complications.
Among others, State Minister for Health and Family Welfare Dr M A Muhit was present at the press conference.
