Photo: BSS

RAJSHAHI, June 22, 2026 (BSS) - Experts at a programme today emphasised the importance of ensuring that all children aged 6 to 59 months receive vitamin ‘A’ capsules to protect them from complications arising from measles and other diseases, while also urging mothers to practise exclusive breastfeeding for infants below six months to boost their immunity.

They also urged parents to take their children to the nearest immunization centre on the scheduled day to receive vitamin ‘A’ capsules.

These points were highlighted by representatives of UNICEF and the World Health Organization (WHO) at an orientation and action plan meeting held today at the conference room of the Rajshahi Divisional Health Office.

The meeting was organised ahead of the National Vitamin ‘A’ Plus Campaign scheduled for June 28.

The meeting was informed that although the National Vitamin ‘A’ Plus Campaign on June 28 is a routine programme, its importance has increased due to the prolonged gap in implementation.

The prolonged suspension of the campaign was identified as one of the key reasons behind the recent rise in measles-related complications and deaths.

The meeting was presided over by Divisional Health Director Dr Mohammad Habibur Rahman.

Rajshahi Divisional Commissioner Dr A. N. M. Bazlur Rashid attended the event as the chief guest, while DIG of Rajshahi Range Mohammad Shahjahan was present as the special guest.

Heads of various government offices at the divisional level, health department officials, and representatives from development partner UNICEF participated in the meeting in person.

Besides, Civil Surgeons and Deputy Directors of the Family Planning Department from districts across the division, except Rajshahi, along with WHO representatives, joined the meeting virtually.

According to the Divisional Health Office, a target has been set to administer vitamin ‘A’ capsules to a total of 2,703,127 children in Rajshahi Division on June 28.

Of them, 308,206 children are aged between 6 and 11 months, while 2,394,921 children are aged between 12 and 59 months.