Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Hossain. File photo

DHAKA, May 19, 2026 (BSS) - Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Hossain today said the second phase of the nationwide measles 
vaccination campaign will begin after Eid-ul-Azha.

"The first dose has already been administered to many children, while many others are waiting for the second dose. The second dose of the measles 
vaccine will be administered after Eid-ul-Azha," he told journalists after attending the 12th anniversary celebration programme of Universal Medical 
College Hospital this afternoon.

The minister said the government took rapid measures to ensure vaccination after the outbreak of measles spread across the country.

Calling upon doctors to ensure proper treatment by giving adequate time to patients in tackling the measles outbreak, the minister said all necessary 
measures, including public announcements through loudspeakers, have been taken to identify children left out of the vaccination programme.

He said there is no shortage of isolation wards for children and more facilities would be arranged if needed.

The minister also said healthcare workers are providing vaccines through door-to-door services.

Mentioning that rumours are being spread in different quarters regarding vaccines, Sakhawat Hossain said there is no shortage of vaccines in the 
country at present.

"Currently, there is a shortage of some syringes. However, new syringes are arriving according to monthly demand and supply across the country will be 
increased," he added.

Director General of the Directorate General of Health Services Prof Dr Prabhat Chandra Biswas was present on the occasion.