BAGERHAT, April 20, 2026 (BSS) - A nationwide measles-rubella vaccination campaign began in Chitalmari upazila today, targeting 15,067 children aged between six months and five years.

Upazila Executive Officer Khadija Akhter inaugurated the campaign at the Upazila Health Complex auditorium.

Health officials said measles is highly contagious and can lead to serious complications, including pneumonia, diarrhea, malnutrition and vision loss. Rubella infection during pregnancy can cause severe birth defects. The campaign aims to prevent these risks.

Vaccination will be carried out daily from 8 am to 4 pm at 63 EPI centres across seven unions and one municipality including the Upazila Health Complex. Health assistants, family welfare workers and volunteers are engaged in field-level implementation.

Around 10,000 vaccine doses have already reached the upazila in the first phase, with proper cold chain management ensured. Additional doses will be supplied as needed.

Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer Dr Sharmi Roy, who presided over the inauguration ceremony, urged parents to vaccinate their children on time, assuring that the vaccine is safe. 

The officer said health workers are conducting door-to-door awareness campaigns to ensure full coverage.

Officials said no birth certificate or vaccination card is required. Eligible children can receive the vaccine at nearby centres. Sick children will be vaccinated after recovery.

Authorities expect to bring all targeted children under vaccination within the scheduled period ending May 10.