BRAC is supporting the nationwide vaccination campaign launched to prevent the spread of measles across the country. As part of this initiative, the organization is supplying 1.5 million syringes and providing extensive field-level assistance to ensure children are brought to vaccination centers.

Launch of the National Vaccination Program
Under the government’s Expanded Programme on Immunization, the nationwide campaign began on April 20 across all upazilas, districts, municipalities, and city corporations. Earlier, in response to the spread of measles, a measles-rubella vaccination program targeting children aged six months to five years was conducted from April 5 in 30 high-risk upazilas across 18 districts and 13 municipalities.

Syringe Supply and Distribution Plan
To strengthen the campaign, BRAC is supplying 1.5 million auto-disable syringes. Of these, 216,000 syringes were delivered on April 18. By April 20, a total of 648,000 syringes had been handed over, with the remaining to be supplied in phases by April 30.

Role of Community Health Workers
Around 24,000 BRAC community health workers will operate across 280 upazilas in 36 districts, visiting households to raise awareness and encourage parents to take their children to vaccination centers. This outreach will continue from April 20 to May 12.

Additionally, nearly 3,000 health workers will assist in administering vaccines and handling registration. In each area, two BRAC staff members will be assigned to coordinate the vaccination activities.

Awareness Campaigns
To boost participation, public announcements will be carried out for up to two days at the union level in every upazila across the 36 districts, funded by BRAC. These campaigns aim to motivate parents to vaccinate their children.

BRAC’s Commitment
Dr. Md. Akramul Islam, Senior Director of BRAC’s Health Programme, said the organization is proud to partner with the government in this vital vaccination initiative. He emphasized that BRAC is committed to ensuring that life-saving vaccines reach every child in the country, while also working to strengthen the national public health system.

Continued Support in Emergencies
As a long-standing partner of the government, BRAC has been implementing various programs to improve public health in Bangladesh. The organization also continues to support people affected by disasters such as fires, floods, and cyclones.