A special three-week measles vaccination campaign has begun in five districts under Rajshahi division. Photo: BSS

RAJSHAHI, April 5, 2026 (BSS) - A special three-week measles vaccination campaign has begun in five districts under Rajshahi division.

The programme was inaugurated in 10 upazilas of Rajshahi, Chapainawabganj, Naogaon, Pabna and Natore with priority given to areas that are comparatively more prone to measles outbreak. 

In Rajshahi, the campaign was inaugurated at 9:00 am today at the Matikata Community Clinic in Godagari Upazila, where Deputy Commissioner Kazi Shahidul Islam officially launched the program by releasing balloons and pigeons. 

He stated that under this special initiative, a total of 56,600 children have been targeted for vaccination. 
 
Responding to questions from journalists, he said that vaccination activities are being conducted at 27 centers on the first day, with a target of vaccinating 5,600 children. 

He also added that necessary preparations have been taken at the centers and the program is progressing in an orderly manner. 

Parents are voluntarily bringing their children to the centers, and there has been no sign of reluctance among people to take the vaccine.
 
At the event, Civil Surgeon Dr. S. I. M. Raziul Karim said that all children aged between 5 and 59 months will be vaccinated under this campaign. 

On the first day, a target has been set to vaccinate 5,650 children in Godagari Upazila and 628 children in the municipal area. Children who received a dose at least 28 days earlier will also be vaccinated under the programme. 
 
The program will continue daily for the next three weeks from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
 
Health officials say that this special vaccination campaign will play a crucial role in ensuring protection for children against measles. 

Parents have been urged to bring their children to the designated centers to receive the vaccine.
 
Among others present at the event were Rajshahi Zila Parishad Administrator Advocate Ershad Ali Isha, Superintendent of Police Mohammad Naimul Hasan, Deputy Director of Rajshahi's Local Government Division Md. Zakiul Islam, Additional Deputy Commissioner Sabur Ali, Godagari Upazila Nirbahi Officer Nazmus Sadat Ratna, and Assistant Commissioner (Land) Shamsul Islam.