Photo: BSS

KHULNA, April 19, 2026 (BSS) - A total of 16,11,702 children across 10 districts in Khulna division are set to receive the measles-rubella vaccine as part of an extensive vaccination campaign beginning tomorrow.

The campaign, scheduled to run from April 20 to May 10, 2026, will provide a single dose of measles-rubella vaccine to all children aged between 6 months and 5 years. 

The initiative will be carried out simultaneously in all districts, upazilas, city corporations, and municipal areas of the division.

According to officials, vaccination services will be available at 14,936 centres, staffed by 2,294 vaccinators and supported by 7,754 volunteers. 

The campaign will operate daily from 8 am to 4 pm, except on government holidays.

The information was disclosed at a divisional coordination committee meeting held today at the Khulna Divisional Commissioner's conference room. 

Acting Divisional Commissioner Mohammad NazmulHaque attended the meeting as the chief guest.

Speaking on the occasion, he described measles and rubella as highly contagious viral diseases and stressed the need for collective awareness and coordinated efforts to prevent them.

"Every child's life is important -- they are our future. No child should be left out of this campaign," he said.

He also noted that some children fear vaccination, urging parents to bring their children to nearby centres without hesitation. 

Highlighting the role of religious leaders, he called upon mosque imams and muezzins to promote the campaign during Friday sermons and before daily prayers.

Director of Khulna Divisional Health Office Dr. Md. Mujibur Rahman presided over the meeting, with participation from heads of various government departments. 

A paper on measles-rubella was presented by WHO representative Dr. Md. Arif. The divisional health office organized the event.

Officials further informed that an online registration system has been introduced for the campaign. 

Parents can register their children using online birth registration through the designated website.

However, children without birth registration will also be eligible to receive the vaccine.

The divisional-level inauguration of the campaign will be held tomorrow at 9:30 am at Fulbari Gate Chest Disease Hospital. 

Whip of Bangladesh National Parliament Rakibul Islam Bakul is expected to attend the event as the chief guest.