Health Correspondent: As measles cases continue to rise, the government has launched a special measles-rubella vaccination campaign in 30 upazilas across 18 districts. The campaign began simultaneously at 9am on Sunday. Under the initiative, all children aged between 6 months and 59 months will receive the vaccine. Even those who have previously been vaccinated are eligible to participate. Vaccination is being conducted from 9am to 5pm at designated centres.Areas under the program include Barguna Sadar and its municipality; Pabna Sadar, municipality, Ishwardi, Atgharia and Bera; Chandpur Sadar, municipality and Haimchar; Maheshkhali and Ramu in Cox's Bazar; Gazipur Sadar; Chapainawabganj Sadar, municipality, Shibganj and Bholahat; Atpara in Netrokona; Mymensingh Sadar, Trishal, Tarakanda and Srinagar; Godagari in Rajshahi; Mehendiganj and Bakerganj in Barisal; Porsha in Naogaon; Jessore Sadar and municipality; Natore Sadar; Munshiganj Sadar, municipality and Louhajang; Madaripur Sadar and municipality; Nawabganj in Dhaka; Nalchity in Jhalakathi; and Jazira in Shariatpur.From March 15 to 8am on Sunday, a total of 7,610 suspected measles cases and 929 confirmed cases were reported. During the same period, 113 deaths were recorded among suspected cases, while 17 deaths were confirmed.In the 24 hours to Sunday morning, 974 suspected cases and 54 confirmed cases were reported. During this period, 10 deaths from suspected measles and two from confirmed cases were recorded.The campaign was inaugurated by Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Hossain at Nawabganj Upazila Health Complex in Dhaka.Among others, UNICEF Bangladesh Representative Rana Flowers, World Health Organization (WHO) Bangladesh Representative Dr Ahmed Jamsheed Mohamed, and Director General of the Directorate General of Health Services Prof Prabhat Chandra Biswas spoke at the event.The minister said: "As a measles outbreak has emerged in the country, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has taken prompt and effective measures. I sincerely thank UNICEF Representative Rana Flowers for providing technical support and ensuring rapid vaccine supply to successfully implement such a large-scale program. I also express my gratitude to Gavi and the World Health Organization on behalf of the ministry."The measles situation is currently under control, and there is no reason for public panic. Areas where the outbreak has recently been more severe have been identified as hotspots, and vaccination activities are ongoing there. "Due to delays in recent years, some children have died from measles-rubella. Although there is a program to administer the vaccine every four years, it was not implemented in 2020, increasing health risks nationwide."Since coming to power, the current government has prioritized child health. Prime Minister Tarek Rahman took special initiatives in this regard. With the support of UNICEF and partner organizations, it has been possible to procure the vaccines. Considering high-risk areas, the government has initially arranged vaccines for children in 30 upazilas across 18 districts."The next phase of vaccination will begin on April 12 in the two Dhaka city corporations, as well as in Mymensingh and Barisal. From May 3, the vaccine will be rolled out nationwide. The government remains vigilant to ensure that measles-rubella does not take a severe form, and special attention will be given to at-risk children."Alongside the campaign, children who are infected or have fever will receive vitamin A capsules. Healthy children will receive only the vaccine. Vaccination will be conducted daily from 9am to 5pm at designated centres, as well as at schools, community centres and other selected venues."This is an ongoing process. Although it has started in high-risk areas, it will gradually expand nationwide and be incorporated into the routine immunisation program by July."UNICEF Bangladesh Representative Rana Flowers said: "Vaccination is a fundamental component of child survival. UNICEF is deeply concerned as the rise in measles infections across Bangladesh has put thousands of children, especially the youngest and most vulnerable, at serious risk. This resurgence highlights immunity gaps, particularly among zero-dose children and those who have received only partial doses. Infants under nine months, who are not yet eligible for routine vaccination, are also at risk."Through coordinated efforts, this resurgence can be controlled. UNICEF is working closely with the government and partners to ensure every child is vaccinated, immunity gaps are closed, and children are protected from this preventable disease. We thank donors, especially Gavi, for their support."WHO Bangladesh Representative Dr Ahmed Jamsheed Mohamed said: "The World Health Organization commends the Government of Bangladesh for taking timely and targeted action. This campaign will help prevent further child deaths and address the immunity gaps that have contributed to the outbreak."The measles-rubella vaccine is safe and effective and has protected millions of children worldwide. It remains our strongest tool against this highly contagious disease."Gavi Senior Country Manager Dirk Gehl said: "The loss of children's lives in this outbreak is a tragic reminder that measles can quickly become deadly when immunity gaps persist. Gavi is working with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, WHO and UNICEF to support the implementation of vaccination programs. It is crucial that we act together effectively to bring the situation under control."Later, the minister visited a vaccination centre at Bardanpara Government Primary School field in Boxnagar Union and urged parents to vaccinate their children without fear. He said the government is working to make healthcare more accessible for underserved populations through upazila health complexes and union health centres, and called on field-level workers to be more dedicated.Meanwhile, State Minister for Health and Family Welfare Dr MA Muhit inaugurated the campaign at Bhawal Mirzapur Union Parishad in Gazipur.He said: "The nationwide measles-rubella vaccination campaign has begun with the highest priority given to protecting every child's health. Measles is highly contagious, and complications are more severe in children. However, vaccination is highly effective in preventing the disease. The campaign has started in high-risk areas and will gradually expand nationwide. No child will be left behind."The Directorate General of Health Services has advised that children with fever or illness should receive the vaccine after recovery.