Parents across the capital have expressed relief as the government’s emergency measles-rubella vaccination campaign gathers pace amid concerns over a growing outbreak.
At vaccination centres in Dhaka, guardians were seen lining up with young children, eager to ensure protection against the disease following reports of rising infections.
Rata Begum, who brought her eight-month-old daughter from Kamrangirchar to Azimpur Matri Sadan and Child Health Training Institute, said the vaccination had eased her worries.
“I was very concerned as there were many measles cases in my area. I feel relieved now that my daughter has been vaccinated. Despite the queue, the overall management is good,” she said.
Shamsunnaha, from the Lalbagh area, shared similar sentiments after vaccinating her three-year-old son. “I feel a sense of relief now. I thank the government for taking this timely initiative,” she said.
Health workers reported a strong public response. At the Azimpur centre, Health Assistant Tahmina Akhter said guardians had been arriving in large numbers since morning. “We are vaccinating all eligible children as they come,” she said.
The measles-rubella vaccination campaign began on April 5 in 30 upazilas across 18 districts. In its second phase, launched on April 12, the programme expanded to four city corporations—Dhaka South, Dhaka North, Barishal, and Mymensingh.
Officials said more than 402,000 children have already been vaccinated in Dhaka South City Corporation alone. To support the effort, authorities have set up 540 vaccination centres, including both permanent and temporary facilities.
Children aged between six months and five years are being vaccinated daily from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, with the campaign scheduled to continue until May 11.
At centres across the city, long queues of parents holding infants and toddlers were a common sight, with many reassuring their children as they awaited their turn.
Mahfuza Akhter, who brought her two children to a centre in Mirpur, said recent reports of measles cases had heightened her concerns. “I was very worried over the past few days. I feel much better now after getting them vaccinated,” she said.
Another guardian, Selina Parveen, said her four-year-old granddaughter was vaccinated as a precaution. “She is healthy, but after hearing about measles, we decided not to take any risks,” she said.
Health officials said there is no shortage of vaccines and that all necessary measures have been taken to ensure safe and smooth operations at vaccination centres.
Dhaka North City Corporation Deputy Chief Health Officer Dr Md Imdadul Haque said the strong turnout reflected growing public awareness. “People are coming voluntarily, and we are seeing large crowds at many centres,” he said.
Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Husain said the government aims to ensure full participation to make the campaign successful.
“We believe that sustained vaccination efforts, particularly in Dhaka, will help achieve long-term control of measles-rubella,” he said.
Source: BSS
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
