DNCC targets 500,000 children in emergency measles drive

It has established 54 permanent and 502 temporary immunisation centres

Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) has launched a measles vaccination campaign across 599 centres in its 10 zones.

State Minister for Health and Family Welfare MA Muhit inaugurated the campaign in the capital’s Korail on Sunday.

The initiative aims to vaccinate approximately 500,000 children aged between six months and five years against measles and rubella.

The campaign is scheduled to run until May 11.

DNCC has established 54 permanent and 502 temporary vaccination centres.

Additionally, 35 evening centres and eight Friday centres will be operational to ensure maximum coverage.

A total of 594 health workers, 650 volunteers, and 203 supervisors have been deployed to manage the proceedings.

Speaking at the launch, Muhit stressed that every child within the designated age bracket must receive the vaccine.

He noted that the drive, which initially began in 17 Upazilas and four city corporations, will expand into a nationwide campaign starting Apr 20.

DNCC Administrator Shafiqul Islam Khan highlighted future health plans during the event, saying that there are efforts under way to convert the Mohakhali DNCC COVID Hospital into a general hospital to utilise existing infrastructure for broader public healthcare.