Photo : BSS

CHANDPUR, April 19, 2026 (BSS)- A measles vaccination campaign will begin in 
the remaining six upazilas of Chandpur district from tomorrow as part of an 
effort to curb the recent rise in infections.

The district health department announced the initiative at a press conference 
held at Chandpur Press Club auditorium here today.

According to a written statement presented on behalf of the Civil Surgeon of 
Chandpur by Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer Dr. Md. Rafiqul Hasan 
Faisal.

The campaign had already started on April 5 in Chandpur Sadar and Haimchar 
upazilas due to a higher prevalence of measles in those areas.

The official inauguration of the expanded campaign will take place tomorrow 
morning at Chandpur Collectorate School, to be opened by Member of Parliament 
Shafik Farid Ahmed Manik.

In the first phase, a total of 61,720 children were vaccinated in Chandpur 
Sadar and Haimchar and Chandpur municipal areas as of April 18.
The campaign in these areas will continue until April 25.

In the second phase, the vaccination drive will run from tomorrow to May 10 
in the remaining six upazilas. Of these, three days will be dedicated to 
educational institutions and eight days to the community-based vaccination 
centres.

Health officials have set a target to vaccinate 72,874 children across the 
district. Authorities emphasized on the need for strong media support to 
ensure maximum participation.

Responding to questions, Dr. Faisal said that 304 children have been 
hospitalized with measles symptoms so far. Among them, 52 cases have been 
confirmed and three deaths have been reported. 

Currently, on an average of three to four children are being admitted to 
hospitals daily with suspected measles.

Journalists from national and local media outlets along with Chandpur Press 
Club President Sohel Rushdi were present at the briefing.