An emergency measles vaccination campaign will begin in 18 districts from Sunday (April 5).

The vaccination start from 9AM, said Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Hossain at a press conference on Saturday.

In the first phase, the campaign will be launched in 30 high-risk hotspot areas across 30 upazilas in 18 districts.

The program will later be expanded nationwide in phases.

Based on recommendations from national and international experts, the National Immunization Technical Advisory Group (NITAG) advised implementing the program. Under this initiative, all children under the age of five will be vaccinated, regardless of their previous vaccination status.

Officials said the campaign has been undertaken under the guidance and supervision of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, aiming to quickly bring all children in the country under vaccination coverage.

Authorities have set a target to complete the vaccination drive by May 21, 2026, ahead of the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha festival.