The United States has reaffirmed its support for Bangladesh’s efforts to contain the ongoing measles outbreak and protect vulnerable children through the national Measles-Rubella Catch-up Campaign 2026.
US Embassy Dhaka Chargé d’Affaires Eric Geelan made the remarks on Wednesday morning while visiting a vaccination session under the special Measles-Rubella Catch-up Campaign at the T&T Playground of Korail in the capital.
In his speech, Eric Geelan said that the United States is proud to support Bangladesh’s national campaign, which aims to reach nearly 3.5 million children across the country.
“You’re all painfully aware that Bangladesh is facing an ongoing measles outbreak,” he said, underscoring the urgency of the vaccination drive.
He said the US support is being provided under the America First Global Health Strategy and is aimed at helping Bangladesh deliver lifesaving vaccines to vulnerable children and prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
Geelan also praised the vaccinators, health workers and volunteers involved in the campaign, saying their efforts are directly contributing to saving lives.
“I’ve had the privilege of meeting the vaccinators, health workers, and volunteers who are here working on this project today. And I want to share my appreciation for their efforts and to them directly to say your work here is saving lives,” he said.
The US diplomat also underscored the importance of close cooperation between the United States and Bangladesh’s Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, particularly in responding to public health emergencies such as the current measles outbreak.
“We look forward to continuing the partnership as Bangladesh works to close immunization gaps and build long-term resiliency against future outbreaks,” he said.
State Minister for the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare Dr MA Muhit was the chief guest at the event while Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) Administrator Md Safiqul Islam Khan was also present as a special guest.
The special Measles-Rubella Catch-up Campaign is being implemented to reach children who remain unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated against measles and rubella amid concerns over the spread of measles in different parts of the country.
