Photo : BSS

RAJSHAHI, April 26, 2026 (BSS)- A meeting of the Divisional Coordination Committee was held today in the conference room of the Divisional Director of Health to review the progress and shortcomings of the ongoing Measles-Rubella vaccination campaign in Rajshahi Division. 

The meeting, organized by the Divisional Health Office, was presided over by Divisional Commissioner Dr. A. N. M. Bazlur Rashid.
 
At the meeting, the representative of the World Health Organization stated that measles has spread to 61 districts across the country, excluding Panchagarh, Lalmonirhat, and Rangamati. 

Measles patients ranging from 1.5-month-old infants to 70-year-olds have been identified. While the measles mortality rate in developed countries is 1 to 3 percent, it can reach up to 10 percent in developing countries like Bangladesh.
 
He said that although the Measles-Rubella vaccination campaign began on April 20, vaccinations in measles hotspots in Rajshahi, Pabna, Chapainawabganj, and Naogaon districts of Rajshahi Division started earlier, on April 5. 

This time, the general public is vaccinating their children with great enthusiasm. 

As of April 25, the actual number of vaccinations administered in this division has exceeded the target.
Among these, some children over five years old have been vaccinated, while 5 to 6 percent of children under five have remained unvaccinated. 
Some children of marginalized, unaware parents—especially those who both leave home for work every day, leaving their child behind—are being left out of the vaccination.
 
In his speech as chair, the Divisional Commissioner said that the problems and shortcomings identified in today’s coordination meeting have already been communicated to the Deputy Commissioners. They will take steps to overcome these issues.
 
He further said, “We each do our own work, but together we also do everyone’s work. There is good coordination among our various departments. Collectively, we will make the Measles-Rubella vaccination campaign a success.” 

At this time, he urged the Health Department to ensure vaccination of excluded children through mobile teams.
 
Members of the Divisional Coordination Committee formed for the Measles-Rubella Vaccination Campaign 2026 were present at the meeting.