Health Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Husain has expressed optimism that the ongoing measles situation in the country will be fully brought under control by May, with intensified efforts underway to ensure vaccination coverage for all children.
He made the remarks while speaking to reporters after visiting the 250-bed TB Hospital in the capital’s Shyamoli on Thursday.
The minister said, “The government has set a target to bring 100% of children under measles vaccination within the next week. So far, 61% of children have been covered, while several areas have already achieved full coverage.”
He added that no measles cases are currently being reported in the first 30 upazilas where the vaccination drive was launched.
He further said the vaccination campaign was rolled out ahead of schedule. “Although it was initially set to begin nationwide on 5 May, the programme was brought forward by 14 days and started on 20 April,” he added.
Sakhawat Husain said no measles vaccines had been administered to children over the past six years, prompting the government to launch the drive on an urgent basis.
He acknowledged the support of UNICEF, Gavi the Vaccine Alliance, the World Bank and the United States, saying the situation could have been much worse without their assistance.
On dengue, the minister said all necessary measures have already been taken. Arrangements have been made to set up tents, with installation scheduled to begin at a university playground from Friday (1 May).
He stressed that prevention remains the top priority, urging city corporations to intensify mosquito control efforts.
FP/MI
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