Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Hossain today said all infectious diseases, including measles and rubella, can be effectively controlled through coordinated efforts.

“Although the measles-rubella vaccination campaign began on April 5 in 30 upazilas across 18 districts, it has now been launched simultaneously in four major city corporations—Dhaka North, Dhaka South, Barishal and Mymensingh—from today,” he told while inaugurating the “Emergency Measles-Rubella Vaccination Campaign-2026” at an event held at the Nagar Bhaban auditorium in the capital.

The health minister said the government aims to bring 95 percent of children aged between six months and five years under measles vaccination coverage, expressing hope that achieving this target would significantly curb the spread of the disease.

“Success in this campaign requires collective cooperation. With united efforts, we will be able to protect future generations from measles,” he added.

Highlighting the ongoing programme, the minister said vaccination activities have already started in 30 high-risk upazilas since April 5 and are now being expanded to key urban areas.