DHAKA, March 10, 2020 (BSS) – To build up immunity against Measles-Rubella (MR) and reduce their transmission in the community, `Measles-Rubella Campaign 2020′ will begin across the country on March 18.
In this regard, UNICEF Bangladesh held an orientation meeting titled `Measles-Rubella Vaccination Campaign 2020′ at Intercontinental Hotel in the city today.
The campaign will be focusing on vaccinating all children aged between nine months to under 10 years of age to prevent transmission of measles and rubella virus.
The government will conduct the MR Vaccination Campaign 2020 between 18 March to 11 April throughout the country.
At the meeting, the speakers said Bangladesh is one of the most densely populated countries in the world so, the transmission potential for measles is likely to be greater in Bangladesh than in other countries.
According to the national coverage evaluation surveys, MR1(MR first dose) coverage has remained at 86.6% – 87.5% in the years 2014 and 2016 respectively and MR2 (MR second dose) coverage increased from 70% in 2014 to 83 % in 2016.
Besides, the number of measles cases has increased over the last four years due to low routine coverage of MR1 and MR2 in many upazillas and districts and pockets of low coverage during MR SIAs (supplementary immunization activities) in the year 2014.
Almost every month of the years 2017, 2018 and 2019 (upto September) had more laboratory confirmed measles cases compared to the months of 2016.
So, to prevent the transmission and outbreaks of Measles and Rubella, it has become necessary to conduct MR vaccination SIA (supplementary immunization activities) through the country.
While sharing the views, they said, this vaccine is beneficial to children’s health as the measles virus is one of the most contagious diseases and rubella can cause malnutrition, diarrhoea, pneumonia and fevers respectively along with a number of other health complications.
Both the viruses put stress on the immune system and may have long lasting effects on the health of little ones. As there is no specific treatment for these diseases, it is necessary to get children vaccinated to prevent transmission through immunization.
The meeting was told that this campaign will be conducted in three weeks across the country and alongside permanent vaccination centers, makeshift centers will be established in high risk areas.
The recipients of the vaccine have been divided in some categories, including ethnic communities, tea garden labours, too-high-to-reach, local leaders and faith groups and working mothers and mothers from slum areas.
Among others, Health Specialist of UNICEF Bangladesh Jucy Merina Adhikari, Line Director of DGHS Dr Md Shamsul Haque and Program Manager of DGHS Dr Mowla Baksh Chaudhury were present at the meeting.
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