Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday said her government is pledge bound to bring down the infant and maternal mortality rate substantially as well as to eliminate measles and control rubella to face the challenges of the 21st century.
She stated her government's position while officially inaugurating the three-week “Measles-Rubella Vaccination” campaign at a simple ceremony at her official Gono Bhaban residence in the morning.
At the inauguration of the country's biggest vaccination campaign, Hasina patted the children taking them on her lap, and encouraged them to take the vaccine.
The premier said the government is working ceaselessly keeping in mind the goals of eradicating measles, controlling rubella, and retaining the polio-free status of Bangladesh.

Seeking cooperation of all to make the vaccination campaign a success, Hasina called upon all -- parents, guardians, teachers, public representatives and others -- to ensure that children around them take the vaccine along with their own kids.
Health Minister Mohammad Nasim gave the welcome address at the function, chaired by Health Secretary MN Neazuddin.
National Professor Dr MR Khan, Director General of Health Prof Dr Khandakar Sifayetullah, and Bangladesh Medical Association President Prof Mahmud Hasan and its Secretary General Prof Iqbal Arsnal were, among others, present.

A child being administered a vaccine at the inauguration of a three-week “Measles-Rubella Vaccination” campaign at the prime minister's official residence Gono Bhaban in the capital yesterday. Photo: BSS

Health Ministry officials said about 5.2 crore children (one-third of total population) will be given measles-rubella vaccine while 2.20 crore children the polio vaccine during the three-week vaccination campaign.
They informed that the vaccination campaign will run from January 25-30 at all primary and secondary schools, kindergartens, madrasas, maktabs, mosques and other non-formal educational institutions.