Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed inaugurated an emergency vaccination campaign programme via video conference in Cox's Bazar today. Photo: BSS

COX'S BAZAR, April 5, 2026 (BSS) - An emergency vaccination campaign to 
prevent measles and rubella has been launched in Cox's Bazar, with Home 
Minister Salahuddin Ahmed inaugurating the programme via video conference 
from Dhaka today. 

The inauguration of the campaign was held at the Deputy Commissioner's 
conference room in Cox's Bazar this (Sunday) morning. 

Under the government's pilot initiative, a total of 120,000 children will be 
vaccinated in Ramu and Maheshkhali upazilas, identified as high-risk areas 
for measles.

In his speech, the Home Minister emphasized that the government places the 
highest priority on child protection. Following the detection of the measles 
outbreak in Cox's Bazar, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare promptly 
implemented a series of measures, he said. 

These include active case search in affected areas, administration of two 
doses of Vitamin A capsules to infected children, vaccination of unvaccinated 
children and strengthening healthcare services at both upazila and district 
levels.

He also highlighted that, with support from UNICEF, the measles ward at Cox's 
Bazar Sadar Hospital has been expanded from 8 to 20 beds, an initiative that 
has received nationwide appreciation.

The event was chaired by Deputy Commissioner Md. A Mannan and attended by key 
officials, including Divisional Health Director Dr. Sheikh Fazle Rabbi, 
Acting Civil Surgeon Dr. Mohiuddin Mohammad Alamgir, Superintendent of Police 
(SP) Sajedur Rahman, Cox's Bazar Press Club General Secretary Momtaz Uddin 
Bahari and representatives from World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF.

Following the inauguration, the campaign officially began with the 
vaccination of children at the venue. 

According to the Acting Civil Surgeon, the first phase will cover five unions 
and municipality in Maheshkhali and four unions in Ramu. 

On the opening day, authorities aim to vaccinate 4,230 children in 
Maheshkhali and 2,000 in Ramu.

Parents expressed relief and satisfaction over the initiative. 

Sanaul Haque, father of a 13-month-old child, said the campaign has eased 
fears surrounding the outbreak. 

Similarly, Fahima Roksana Shiuli, who traveled from a hilly area to vaccinate 
her infant, shared her happiness and renewed sense of safety.

The campaign comes amid a growing measles outbreak in Cox's Bazar district, 
where at least five children have died while undergoing treatment. 

In this context, the government's rapid response has been widely welcomed as 
a timely and crucial step to contain the spread of the disease and protect 
vulnerable children.