Health Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Husain today spoke at the ministry’s conference room at the secretariat. Photo: Ministry

DHAKA, March 30, 2026 (BSS) – Health Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Husain today said the government is procuring measles vaccines from UNICEF.

“The Health Ministry has emphasised rapid medical treatment in response to the rising measles infections in the country. To address the situation, the government has allocated Tk 604 crore for vaccine procurement,” he told reporters after a meeting with the US ambassador at the ministry’s conference room at the secretariat.

He said the vaccines will be supplied by UNICEF, with deliveries expected to begin in the first week of April.

Sakhawat added that preparations are underway to open ICUs on an emergency basis, supply ventilators and set up specialised wards.

“Despite the sudden rise in measles infections, we have taken immediate measures. The ICU unit, which was closed after the death of a child in Mohakhali, was reopened within 18 hours,” he said.

He said separate wards, isolation facilities and ventilators have been arranged for children in various locations, including the capital. New ventilators have been sent to Manikganj and Rajshahi, and steps have been taken to procure 20 more.

The minister noted that while routine vaccination programmes continued over the past decade, there has been no major measles vaccination campaign since 2018. As a result, infections are more common among unvaccinated children or those born later, he added.

Urging people to remain alert, he said, “We are addressing the situation. Everyone should stay calm and ensure children are vaccinated. Vaccines will be made available as soon as they arrive.”

Health Secretary Md. Kamruzzaman Chowdhury said, “We have already paid UNICEF for the vaccines. Once we receive approval from the Purchase Committee, we will place the order and receive the supply. We expect to start receiving vaccines from the first week of April. As soon as the vaccines arrive, the nationwide vaccination programme will be strengthened.”

Meanwhile, the vaccination committee has decided to launch a special campaign prioritising children aged six months to five years.