US backs measles-rubella vaccination for 3.4mn Bangladeshi Children

The US is supporting Bangladesh’s national measles-rubella catch-up vaccination campaign through UNICEF to protect 3.4 million children aged 6 to 59 months amid an ongoing outbreak.

US Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Eric Gelan visited a vaccination site at the Tand T playground in Korail, Banani in the capital on Wednesday (October 7) to observe the campaign.

According to a statement from US Embassy spokesperson Purnima Rai, the assistance is being provided under the US “America First Global Health Strategy” through UNICEF.

Health and Family Welfare State Minister MA Muhit, Dhaka North City Corporation Administrator Md Shafiqul Islam Khan and DNCC Chief Health Officer Brigadier General Imrul Kayes Chowdhury were also present during the visit.

UNICEF Bangladesh Chief of Communications and Advocacy Miguel Mateos Munoz and UNICEF Bangladesh Immunization Lead Riyad Mahmud also attended.

The nationwide campaign was launched as part of efforts to contain the ongoing outbreak and protect children at risk of measles and rubella through vaccination.

The US support, delivered through UNICEF, is aimed at strengthening the government’s immunisation efforts and expanding vaccine coverage among children in the targeted age group. :::